Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
From Diagnosis to Resolution: A Practical Guide to Acute Diarrhea in Veterinary Patients.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Amirsultan, Sophia & Odunayo, Adesola
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
Abstract
This review emphasizes that most cases of acute diarrhea (AD) in dogs and cats are self-limiting and primarily managed with supportive care, including hydration and nutrition. Diagnostic testing should be tailored to individual cases, focusing on ruling out systemic illness or infectious causes. Recent evidence advocates against routine antibiotic use in uncomplicated AD to prevent antimicrobial resistance and microbiome disruption. Instead, targeted therapy is reserved for systemic or bacterial infections. Additional treatments such as antiemetics and careful hygiene are discussed. Clinicians should prioritize supportive care and judicious diagnostics, adhering to antimicrobial stewardship principles to optimize patient outcomes and combat resistance.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41763984/