Vomiting 

Vomiting is a forceful emptying of the stomach. If it is prolonged, vomiting can lead to dehydration. Medical conditions ranging from motion sickness to foreign body to cancer can be associated with vomiting. Treatment is aimed at controlling the vomiting and resolving the primary cause. 

What is vomiting?

Vomiting is the "forceful" emptying of the stomach's contents. It is caused by a signal from the brain to the stomach that originates in a part of the brain known as the "vomiting center". Vomiting initially developed because it helps save an animal from poisoning. Nerves in the stomach or certain substances in the bloodstream indicate to the brain that the animal may have eaten something toxic, and vomiting can help rid the body of that particular toxic substance. Although this does occur now, the actual ingestion of toxins has become less of a threat to our pets than of their wild ancestors. Over time, many more triggers began to induce the brain to signal vomiting. Prolonged vomiting can lead to life-threatening dehydration. 

What are the causes of vomiting?

Primary stomach or intestinal diseases that can cause vomiting include:

• Parasites
• Toxins
• Foreign bodies
• Spoiled food 
• Food allergies
• Stomach ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Cancer

Secondary causes can include:

• Motion sickness
• Thyroid disease 
• Pancreatitis 
• Pyometra (uterine infection)
• Kidney or liver disease 
• Canine parvovirus or distemper 
• Feline panleukopenia 

How is the cause of vomiting diagnosed?

Once your pet's vomiting has been confirmed, your veterinarian will begin to approach your pet's diagnosis and treatment. In order to narrow down the list of possible causes, your veterinarian will take into account your pet's age and species. For instance, a young, energetic dog that is vomiting is more likely to have eaten something it shouldn't have, while a senior cat with weight loss is more likely to have a medical problem such as kidney disease or thyroid disease. Your veterinarian will likely ask detailed questions regarding the duration of the sickness, weight loss, medications, changes in appetite and timing of vomiting with regards to meals. A thorough physical examination will be performed to determine if there is abdominal pain, dehydration, or other abnormalities. 

Your veterinarian may also recommend performing laboratory tests on blood, urine and/or feces. It may also be necessary to evaluate x-rays and perform an ultrasound. 

How is vomiting treated?

Dehydration from prolonged or severe vomiting is of immediate concern, and it may be necessary to admit your pet to the hospital for fluid replacement while a diagnosis is being pursued. Treatment aimed at controlling the vomiting itself and at gaining control of (or eliminating) the primary cause of the vomiting.