Prior to the domestication of small feline companions, cats consumed rodents and similar prey as their main food source, so contamination was not a concern. Cats will eject hairballs as a result of excessive grooming or some food sensitivity.
When chronic (or acute) kidney or liver disease is present, the pet’s body is not able to break down toxins and process them properly, so it becomes nauseous and vomits. A compromised kidney or liver function may result from consum- ing poisonous products or a viral or bacterial infection. Pancreatitis – Dogs can suffer from acute pancreatitis as a result of consuming overly rich and fatty foods, like hot dogs or sausages (sometimes acquired via trash bin raids). In addition to vomiting, a dog’s belly often will be tender to the touch and the animal will appear lethargic. Some breeds may be more genetically disposed to pancre- atitis, such as schnauzers and Yorkies. Pancreatitis is serious and hospitaliza- tion may be required for successful treatment. Laboratory blood work will diagnose it.
Foreign Object Obstruction – Sometimes dogs chew up and swallow non-food items like a plastic toy or a stone. If the dog is lucky, the object passes out of the digestive track in the stool. Other times, the foreign object may become lodged in either the stom- ach or the intestines, and surgery may be required to remove it. If you witness your dog consuming a questionable object, immediately call a veterinarian. Generally, because a pet’s vomit- ing may range from the straightforward to the unusual, particularly in dogs, providing context and details of its behavior is a huge help for a vet in determining the level of seriousness.
Dr. Matthew J. Heller is a holistic veterinarian and owner of All About PetCare, in Middletown, OH.
natural awakenings January 2012 53
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