ABSTRACT
Splanchnic hypoperfusion and gastrointestinal dysfunction can be clinically seen as mild changes in appetite, anorexia, to loss of intestinal mucosal integrity, hemorrhagic diarrhea, enteric bacterial translocation, septicemia, and death. Hemorrhagic diarrhea, regardless of cause, signals a loss of normal mucosal integrity. With loss of this barrier, normal enteric flora can cross into the bloodstream leading to septicemia. Osmotic diarrhea results when unabsorbable solutes increase fecal water content. Osmotic diarrhea can result from overeating, sudden dietary changes, maldigestion, or malabsorption. Bacterial enterotoxins will enhance secretion. Parenteral fluid therapy is aimed at restoring lost fluids (dehydration), provided normal requirements and, importantly, keeping up with ongoing losses. While oral fluid therapy may be adequate for simple diarrhea in a hydrated animal, animals with marked dehydration or hemorrhagic diarrhea should have an intravenous catheter to receive parenteral fluids and antibiotics.
