What Is Gastroenterology in Dogs & Cats?

Gastroenterology focuses on the health of your pet’s stomach, intestines, and entire digestive system. When pets experience vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or appetite changes, I investigate the underlying cause and develop a plan to restore comfort and proper nutrition.

Gastroenterology is the branch of veterinary internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract — which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and associated structures. In dogs and cats, gastroenterological issues are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits, especially when pets exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in appetite.

As a veterinary internal medicine specialist here is how I help.

My training in gastroenterology plays a key role in managing chronic or complex digestive conditions that go beyond the scope of general practice. I use advanced diagnostic tools and a systematic approach to identify the root causes of gastrointestinal problems and develop personalized treatment plans to improve your pet’s comfort, nutrition, and quality of life.

How Is a Gastrointestinal Diagnosis Made?

When a pet presents with gastrointestinal symptoms that don’t resolve with initial treatment, a small animal internal medicine specialist may step in to conduct a more thorough workup. Diagnostic testing may include:

Bloodwork and fecal analysis to rule out infections or metabolic conditions
Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate internal organs and GI structures
Endoscopy or colonoscopy to visually inspect the GI tract and obtain biopsies
Radiographs to assess motility or blockages
Food trials to test for dietary sensitivity

Each case is approached individually, taking into account the pet’s history, clinical signs, and response to prior treatments.

Common Gastrointestinal Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Gastrointestinal diseases can be caused by a variety of factors including infections, food allergies, immune system disorders, parasites, cancer, or metabolic conditions. Some of the most frequently treated gastroenterological issues in pets include:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Food sensitivities or dietary intolerance
Gastrointestinal ulcers
Pancreatitis
Liver or gallbladder disease
Constipation or colitis
Megaesophagus, esophagitis or esophageal reflux

Gastrointestinal diseases can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term), and often share overlapping symptoms, which makes accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Why See a Veterinary Specialist?

Chronic digestive issues can significantly affect a pet’s well-being and a family’s peace of mind. As an internal medicine veterinarian with gastroenterology expertise I bring advanced training and experience to cases that require a deeper understanding of complex conditions. I work with pet owners and referring veterinarians to find answers when first-line treatments are not enough.

Through expert care, customized nutritional plans, and long-term monitoring, a veterinary gastroenterologist can help restore health, reduce discomfort, and improve overall quality of life for pets with persistent GI issues.

If your dog or cat is suffering from chronic digestive problems, call me directly or ask your primary veterinarian to refer you because early diagnosis and specialized treatment can make all the difference. Call Dr. Pollack’s office at 954-498-9656 to schedule a consultation.

Pet Digestive Health FAQ’s

What signs indicate my pet may have a gastrointestinal issue?

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or appetite changes are signs your pet may have a gastrointestinal issue

Can food allergies cause gastrointestinal symptoms in pets?

Yes, food allergies can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or chronic GI upset.

What are common causes of chronic diarrhea in dogs and cats?

Chronic diarrhea may stem from inflammation, parasites, organ dysfunction, hormonal diseases or cancer.

How do you test for parasites affecting the GI tract?

Fecal exams and PCR tests help detect parasites in the GI system.

Can GI diseases be managed with prescription diets?

Some GI disease cases can benefit from certain types of food.

Are there long-term consequences of untreated GI disorders?

Untreated GI disorders can lead to malnutrition and other complications.

How do you diagnose GI disease?

Fecal tests, blood tests, abdominal ultrasound and intestinal biopsies can all be used to investigate and diagnose specific GI disease.

Are probiotics effective in managing GI issues?

Probiotics may help restore healthy gut flora and support digestion.

If your pet is experiencing any of these gastroenterology symptoms or you
want to understand more, please call Dr. Pollack’s office
at 954-498-9656 to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about veterinary specialty medicine visit the ACVIM website.

Click on the form to download a pdf. Complete the form and email it to us at obviminfo@gmail.com

I’m Dr. Stefeny Pollack, here to help you care for your pet!

If you want to learn more about your pet’s persistant health issues described on my website,
call 954-498-9656 to schedule a consultation.

Please use the contact form for general inquiries.

PHONE

954-498-9656

ADDRESS

2801 E Commercial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308