The details below are for discussion purposes only, and not to diagnose your dog or suggest medical advice. Please talk with a veterinarian if your dog needs help.
Causes:
Bile that comes from the small intestine back into an empty stomach. That causes temporary inflammation and irritation to the stomach lining, which triggers the vomiting reflex.
Hearing your dog preparing to throw up is one of the most effective alarm clocks, but not necessarily the best way to get you out of bed!
Symptoms:
The classic sign of BVS is intermittent early morning vomiting of yellow-tinged fluid in dogs that appear otherwise healthy. “They will have good appetites, normal energy levels, and no history of weight loss or diarrhea,” says Dr. Jablonski. “The dog may sometimes exhibit other signs associated with nausea, like lip-smacking or drooling.” They might also be panting because of the discomfort and have a temporary decrease in appetite.
(Dr. Jablonski: College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University)
Care:
Don’t delay making an appointment with the vets if your dog displays other symptoms on top of the early morning vomiting of yellow bile. Although bilious vomiting syndrome isn’t typically life-threatening, you should not delay heading to a veterinarian for intestinal obstructions and acute pancreatitis, etc.
Some concerning signs to look out for include:
– Diarrhea
– Severe or persistent vomiting, especially if they’re unable to keep food or water down
– Retching without bringing up any food or fluid
– Retching and producing only thick saliva
– Weight loss
– Breathing fast or shallowly
– Pacing, hunching or whining in discomfort
– Lethargy
– Abdominal bloating or distention
– Collapse
Treatment:
Dr. Webb (Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital) explains that sometimes, there is an assumption that acid-reducing drugs might help. However, he says these won’t have any effect because this is a gastrointestinal motility issue, not an “acid-stomach” one. He says anti-vomit medications won’t work either. Instead, promotility drugs or other dietary changes are often successful in managing the symptoms of BVS.
Dietary Management:
Smaller, More Frequent Meals:
Instead of two large meals, offer multiple smaller meals throughout the day to keep the stomach constantly working.
Late-Night Snack:
A small, healthy snack before bedtime can help reduce the amount of time the stomach is empty overnight.
Consider Food Type:
Some foods, like those high in fat, might worsen the problem, so consult with your vet about the best diet for your dog.
Talk with your veterinarian to find out if dietary changes, or medication (such as prokinetic) might help.
Additional information about a CBR dog that had suspected BVS:
- Our vet recommended we try to do the “3rd meal” or snack around 8 – 9 pm.
- We’ve been giving Gus about 1/4 cup of his food and some boiled carrots. So far, no vomiting.
- Our vet said to let them know if the vomiting returns, but if this solves it, they are not worried about something else going on.