Carnivores in the wild are formidable predators who are perfectly adapted to the hunt. They are capable of eating phenomenal quantities of meat in a single meal. Upon their return, they can regurgitate this food without the slightest effort in order to feed their young. This ability requires not only a stomach that is capable of holding large quantities, but also a reflex mechanism that facilitates regurgitation of food and therefore vomit.
Dogs, who are domestic carnivores par excellence, have not lost any of this ability. How many dog owners in fact have witnessed their favorite animal regurgitate a meal that was a little too copious? Most of the time, there is nothing alarming in this behavior. Sometimes, however, vomiting is the first sign of an underlying disease.
In general, a vomiting episode is preceded by a state of nausea in which the dog appears uncomfortable, turns in circles and sometimes tries to eat grass. It is almost as if the dog is trying to "purge" himself, though this term does not accurately reflect reality. The dog then vomits. Violent heaving of the flank and thorax is observed. The dog lowers his head and appears to be smiling. Then after a final effort, the contents of the stomach are ejected. Given the violence of the phenomenon and the muscle fatigue that ensues, it may take the dog a few minutes to recuperate. In cases where only the contents of the esophagus are regurgitated, there is no noticeable effort. The food easily ejected by means of a simple reflex.
Like any reflex, vomiting involves nerve mechanisms. They may originate in the central nervous system, in other words, directly from the brain (disruption of normal central nervous system functions, inflow of particle substances into the blood, even olfactory stimulus, cause the vomit center to react). The origin may also be peripheral, which involves receptors located in abdominal or thoracic organs. Information received is transmitted through a system of neurotransmitters to the vomit center in the brain. In both cases, this center responds by triggering the muscular action that causes vomiting.
Vomiting is usually an indication of inflammation or excessive distension of organs, namely those of the digestive tract: esophagus, stomach, intestines and liver. The causes are numerous. Classic causes include poisoning, gastritis, ulcers, gastroenteritis, foreign objects, intestinal obstructions, gastric dilation-torsion or spoiled food. Vomiting may also be a symptom of an infectious or viral disease (canine distemper, canine parvovirus and leptospirosis are among the most notable, in addition to uterine infections, peritonitis, etc.). Absorbing excessive quantities of food, foreign objects or substances that prevent the stomach from emptying its contents into the small intestine also causes gastric distension and consequently, vomiting. Finally, vomiting can also be an indication of diseases that affect other organs, especially renal or hepatic insufficiencies or even nervous system disorders, such as motion sickness.
Two types of evolution are observed with vomiting. It can either be acute or chronic. In the first case, the vomiting occurs suddenly and is temporary in nature. In the second instance, it builds progressively and is recurrent for over a month. Vomiting occurs more or less frequently during the day and may or may not be related to eating.
Vomiting causes dehydration and rather severe malnutrition, as well as blood imbalances. Sooner or later, it will have repercussions on the general health of the dog. This is why vomiting must be treated quickly, especially in young animals.
In order to help the veterinarian establish a diagnosis, it is important to note the frequency of vomiting, the time when it occurs (after a meal? after drinking?) and its appearance. All this information will give the veterinarian indications about its origin and help him prescribe a treatment.
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