My pet can’t eat, certain foods Dietary or food intolerance is an adverse reaction to food or a food additive (e.g. food colouring). It can be the result of the ingestion of toxic food, diary products (lactose intolerance), specific foods or dietary indiscretion.  It affects both dogs and cats.

Dogs and cats may show signs of abdominal pain or distension, diarrhoea, vomiting and flatulence. Dogs and cats can be intolerant of carbohydrates, lactose, food colouring and some preservatives.

Your veterinarian will then do some testing to try to determine if your pet is suffering from dietary intolerance. He will do a complete history, perform a thorough physical examination, blood tests, faecal flotation and urinalysis and may perform special tests if required.  Blood tests and urine are usually normal. For example, with dietary hypersensitivity, the response to changes in the diet occurs within one to two weeks. If there is no response, dietary intolerance is suspected.  There are other disease problems that may show similar clinical signs.

To treat dietary intolerance, try to avoid your dog’s or cat’s exposure to food toxins, excessive carbohydrates, specific foods e.g. some types of fish, diary products and try to limit consumption of rotten foods, overeating and pica.

As the owner, you should note that many human foods or treats could cause a problem in your dog or cat. You would need to limit or avoid giving your pet these foods. Once the offending food is identified then your dog or cat returns to being the pet you know and love.

Your un-vaccinated dog is old and has difficulty standing and walking. You find that he is becoming paralysed in his hind limbs. You also notice thickening of the pads and his nose. The veterinarian diagnoses Canine Distemper.
 

What is Canine Distemper?

It is a highly contagious, systemic disease of dogs. It is caused by a paramyxovirus. Aerosol droplets usually spread it.

 
What do you see?

You may find that your dog has a runny nose and eyes, does not want to eat. You may find some gastrointestinal disturbance. The footpads and nose may become thickened, giving the disease the name hardpad disease. Sometimes, you may see twitching of a group of muscles, paralysis, which may start in the hindlimbs and convulsions.

The disease could be mild to severe.


How would the veterinarian diagnose this disease?

Your veterinarian will take a good history and do a complete physical examination. Your dog may be febrile at the start of the disease. The fever will subside and return a few days later. At this point the runny nose and eyes may be apparent. The neurological signs later in the course of the disease is a good indicator.  In typical cases, the diagnosis is relatively easy, although sometimes the signs do not become apparent until later in the disease.
 

How does the veterinarian treat the disease?

Usually your vet will use supportive treatments to assist your dog. He may be given for example, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, dietary supplements and fluids. You will need to properly nurse your dog. Despite the care given, some dogs will succumb to the disease.
 

How can I prevent this disease?

Vaccination of puppies starting from six weeks old is the best method. Your veterinarian will discuss your vaccination schedule. Dogs should be vaccinated annually to keep up their protection.
 

Note: Your veterinary surgeon is your best source of information. The notes given here are for guidance only.