In Reply to: Re: diarrhea - Treatment posted by Thomas on April 24, 1999 at 09:24:25:

Causes/Prevention of Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is caused by viral, parasitic, or bacterial
infections. It also may be caused by poisoning, food
allergies, lactose intolerance or overfeeding. Stress,
age, nutrition, and recent illness may also contribute to
diarrhea. Diarrhea affects reduces the ability to absorb
sugars and other nutrients. It increases the amount of
water and body salt loss.

Bacterial/Parasitic/Viral:
Salmonella bacteria is possibly the most common bacterial
cause of diarrhea. The bacteria may
be found in a wide range of animals including mammals,
birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and
insects.

Preventative:
1. Thoroughly cook all meats and eggs. If feeding live
insects is the cause, find another
provider of insects.
2. Clean cage, toys, branches, food/water dishes with a 5
to 1 water/bleach solution and rinse very well. Also
change all litter.

Poisoning:
Poisoning due to the ingestion of poisonous plants,
household chemicals, or prescription
medication.

Preventative:
1. Remove poisonous plants away from any area accessible
to the animal. See list of poisonous plants.
2. Always wash hands before handling animals. Especially
after using any chemical products.
Keep animals away from any area where the chemical
products have recently been used, or are still in use.
Examples: Strong acids, Ammonia, Benzene, Bleach (this
also includes the toilet cleaners), Car polish, Caustic
lime, Drain cleaners, Furniture polish, Gasoline,
Kerosene, Lye, and Turpentine.
3. Keep all medicines away from animals. Medicines with
high amounts of iron especially cause diarrhea.

Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose -
the milk sugar found in dairy foods - due to the
deficiency of the enzyme called lactose. It can lead to
the production of gas, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach
discomfort.

Preventative:
1. Check all foods for the presence of dairy products -
baby foods, kitten chow, etc.

*comments/additions appreciated tpatten@rocketmail.com

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