Weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea are common reasons pets come to the vet. But when these symptoms become chronic – or don’t respond to treatment – it could point to an underlying gastrointestinal (GI) condition. At BluePearl Glendale, our internal medicine team investigates complex digestive problems in dogs and cats.
When is a GI problem more serious?
Occasional stomach upset can be normal. But seek care if your pet:
- Vomits more than once in a 24-hour period
- Has diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours
- Shows signs of dehydration or weakness
- Loses weight unexpectedly
- Has blood in stool or vomit
- Refuses food for more than a day
- Seems to be in pain after eating
Common causes of GI disease.
Our internists help diagnose and treat:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Parasites or chronic infections
- Pancreatitis
- Liver disease
- GI cancers
- Motility disorders or intestinal blockages
Some conditions require lifelong management, but many respond well with the right diagnosis and care.
GI diagnostics at BluePearl Glendale.
We use a wide range of tools to get answers:
- Bloodwork and fecal testing
- Ultrasound or abdominal x-rays
- GI panels and allergy testing
- Endoscopy or biopsies (when needed)
- Nutritional trials or prescription diets
The goal is to treat the source – not just the symptoms.
Next steps after diagnosis.
Once we understand the GI condition, we create a personalized care plan. That may include:
- Medications to reduce inflammation or support digestion
- Long-term dietary changes
- Supportive treatments for flare-ups
- Coordination with your primary care veterinarian
We’re here for both the diagnostic process and the journey that follows.
Addressing gastrointestinal issues in pets at BluePearl Glendale — FAQ.
While occasional stomach upset can be normal for pets, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying gastrointestinal condition that requires veterinary attention. You should seek care if your pet vomits more than once within a 24-hour period, experiences diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, or shows signs of dehydration or weakness. Unexpected weight loss, the presence of blood in stool or vomit, refusal to eat for more than a day, or signs of pain after eating are also concerning symptoms that warrant further investigation.
At BluePearl Glendale, our internal medicine team is skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of gastrointestinal diseases in dogs and cats. Common causes include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food allergies or intolerances, parasites or chronic infections, pancreatitis, liver disease, GI cancers, and motility disorders or intestinal blockages. While some conditions may require lifelong management, many respond well to the right diagnosis and care, allowing pets to lead healthier lives.
To accurately diagnose gastrointestinal issues, we employ a wide range of diagnostic tools. Bloodwork and fecal testing provide initial insights into your pet's health. Ultrasound or abdominal x-rays offer detailed imaging of the digestive system. GI panels and allergy testing help identify specific triggers or intolerances. In certain cases, endoscopy or biopsies may be necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Nutritional trials or prescription diets are also utilized to address dietary-related conditions. Our goal is to treat the source of the problem, not just the symptoms, ensuring comprehensive care for your pet.
Once we have a clear understanding of your pet's gastrointestinal condition, we develop a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs. This plan may include medications to reduce inflammation or support digestion, long-term dietary changes, and supportive treatments for managing flare-ups. We coordinate closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure seamless integration of care. At BluePearl Glendale, we are committed to supporting you and your pet throughout both the diagnostic process and the ongoing journey to improved health.
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