Nothing Cute About It - Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea can be caused by dietary indiscretion, infectious diseases, toxins, immunologic diseases, stress, and metabolic dysfunction. Acute diarrhea is not just unpleasant and inconvenient for owners, it is uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening for patients. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and/or acid-base imbalances. For milder cases, symptomatic outpatient therapy may be employed. Client education regarding treatment and nutritional support are key to client compliance and ultimately patient recovery. Patients hospitalized for acute diarrhea are provided treatment for the underlying cause while supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy, nutritional support, antiemetics, and gastric protectants are employed. It is during this time that effective and appropriate nursing care considerations are paramount to patient care and recovery.

Webinar Speaker:

Kenichiro Yagi

BS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM)