Bilious vomiting syndrome in dogs is a relatively common occurrence. This syndrome is characterized by a tendency to vomit as a reaction to the overproduction of bile in the system. Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome will typically vomit after not eating for several hours. While this condition is not serious in and of itself, it can nonetheless cause a number of different related problems in pets. It's important that you address this issue as quickly as possible so as to be better able to treat it in your pet, as it is a highly manageable condition.
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome Overview
Bilious vomiting syndrome is a form of gastritis. Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining and other parts of the digestive system become inflamed. In the case of bilious vomiting syndrome, this inflammation comes about as a result of the bile that is naturally produced throughout your pet's body interacting with the stomach lining. The stomach lining then becomes weaker and acids from outside of the stomach permeate through to the inside. Once inside of the stomach, these foreign acids can cause a variety of different problems. When inflammation and irritation reaches a certain point, the patient may vomit.
Causes of Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
Bilious vomiting syndrome appears to generally arise idiopathically and without precursor. Dogs that have had former problems with digestive tract issues may be somewhat more disposed to the condition. It is generally not fatal or harmful to your pet, although your dog may show some signs of being in pain.
Symptoms of Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome will tend to vomit in the morning after they have not eaten food for several hours. When the stomach is empty, the acids are better able to cause irritation, which can ultimately lead to a propensity to vomit. The symptoms of this condition include the following:
- Morning or late night vomiting
- Vomit with yellow-colored bile
- Signs of visible distress or pain surrounding vomiting periods
Other than the tendency to vomit, bilious vomiting syndrome will generally not cause any other symptoms or effects in your pet.
Treating Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
There are a number of methods by which you can help to treat your pet's bilious vomiting syndrome. One of the best ways to do this is to minimize the amount of time that your pet will go in between meals. Some vets recommend spreading the same amount of food out into multiple meals throughout the day. Others advise that you give your pet his evening meal shortly before he goes to sleep for the night rather than earlier on.
You can also provide your pet with certain types of medicines that
can help to address bilious vomiting syndrome. Your vet can recommend
which are particularly appropriate for your situation, but H2 blockers
are the most commonly used medicines to help address bilious vomiting
syndrome. For more information, speak with your veterinarian about this
condition.