Vomiting: “The Village Syndrome”

Since this is the most common ailment presented to me in the Village, I thought I would take you through some of the common sense methods which both I and you can use to decide where or why the vomiting is taking place. I hope that this system will assist you in dealing with this very common problem.

First, a definition. Emesis is the medical term for vomiting. This action is a very complex action requiring many systems in the body for the resulting emptying reflex of the stomach. Your feline and canine friends can also vomit at will if they don’t like something or are stressed. They don’t have to be sick. 

Acute Vomiting ;  When your friend begins to vomit with no recent history of  symptoms , the condition is termed acute. The severity of the vomiting can also be classified into projectile or simple vomiting. Most of the time this vomiting, with no real warning signs, is caused by a food incompatibility or a foreign substance. Grass causes vomiting. However, it is generally consumed by your friend because of  an upset stomach. Grass is not the reason. Something else started the upset. There is an unacceptable substance ,or too much acid, in the stomach. Your friend wants to get rid of the stomach contents. Most of the grass-induced vomiting in the Village is due simply to food incompatibility and secondary hyperacidity, in my findings.

The second most frequent cause of acute emesis is from a viral or bacterial infection. In most cases , a virus will attack your friend’s immune system, weaken it, and let bacteria invade the digestive system, resulting in vomiting. Your friend may be feverish. However, you cannot feel your friend’s head nor can you tell by a dry or wet nose, whether a fever is present. Only a rectal temperature will indicate whether a fever is present. Infections and fever can cause vomiting and not be located in the digestive system. Please remember that emesis is a protective mechanism of the body to simply attempt to rid the system of  disease or the products of disease.

Emesis from simple indigestion: Many of  your friends simply have too much of the good life in the form of  frequent snacks and excessive amounts of  food. The occasional vomiting of  undigested food and the urge to eat grass can be a sign . Simply eliminating all snacks for three days and reducing feeding frequency to twice daily should give you some idea if this is the problem. Since emesis is such a general reaction to many categories of disease, it can also be the first sign of a serious problem.  Recurring emesis that does not respond to fasting in 24 hours may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Dehydraton: This condition is the first concern in vomiting. Fluid loss to the body can be very serious. Gator-Aide or Pedialyte are the common sources for fluid replenishment. However, you must give very small amounts to prevent more emesis.  Solid food is not necessary in the first 24-48 hours. Sugared water; 1 tsp. per cup of  water, is a simple way to keep up your friend’s energy level while the condition is correcting itself.

Give your friends a hug for me!

DR. BOB