If your dog is vomiting yellow bile in the morning, it may be suffering from bilious vomiting syndrome. This condition is also known as reflux gastritis and is usually the result of a gastric retention disorder, it can be treated with small, frequent meals and an antacid if necessary. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from this condition than younger dogs, but it can occur in any dog at any age. So if you're seeing bile in your dog's vomit, don't panic - there is help available. Read on for more information about bilious vomiting syndrome in dogs.
What is bilious vomiting syndrome in dogs and what are the symptoms?
Most dogs are older and there does not appear to be a breed, age or sex predisposition. Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in digestion and is stored in the gallbladder after being produced by the liver. It is subsequently released into the small intestines but with reflux, it can enter the stomach. Bile is very acidic and when it's in an empty stomach, it can irritate the lining of the stomach.
Symptoms include vomiting yellow, sometimes foamy bile late at night or in the morning before their owner has fed them breakfast. Symptoms may appear on a daily basis, although they are typically more intermittent. Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome will be physically healthy and act normally between episodes.
What causes bilious vomiting syndrome in dogs?
With bilious vomiting syndrome or reflux gastritis, bile that normally resides in the upper small intestinal tract makes its way into the stomach. Bile that has been absorbed into the stomach from the intestine causes harm to the stomach lining. This reflux may in part be associated with abnormal stomach motility associated with delayed gastric emptying.
How is bilious vomiting syndrome in dogs treated?
Many dogs respond to symptomatic therapy. Clinical symptoms are frequently relieved by feeding your dog a late-evening meal. Food has been discovered to possibly defend against refluxed bile, or it may improve gastric motility. If your dog continues to vomit after changing the frequency of his or her feedings, medical treatment should be considered. Antacids and/or medications that increase stomach motility are frequently used. A single evening administration of medicine is frequently enough to prevent clinical symptoms.
Does bilious vomiting syndrome occur in cats?
It is rare for cats to suffer from true bilious vomiting syndrome or reflux gastritis. If your cat is vomiting bile, please investigate other causes as to why this is occurring.
Are there any over-the-counter treatments I can use for my dog?
If your veterinarian has ruled out other more serious causes of vomiting, and you have tried feeding a late meal but without success, you could try a single dose of Pepcid AC® in the evening with a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Antacids can interact with other medications so it is best to consult with your veterinarian prior to administering this medication.
In summary, bilious vomiting syndrome is a condition that results in dogs vomiting bile. It is caused by gastric retention and can be treated with small, frequent meals or an antacid if necessary. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from this condition than younger dogs, but it can occur in any dog at any age. The prognosis for this condition is very good.