Emesis in dogs: a review

• Published in: Journal of small animal practice Vol. 51; no. 1; pp. 4 - 22
• Main Authors: Elwood, C, Devauchelle, P, Elliott, J, Freiche, V, German, A.J, Gualtieri, M, Hall, E, den Hertog, E, Neiger, R, Peeters, D, Roura, X, Savary-Bataille, K
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2010; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; Blackwell Publishing
• Subjects: animal physiology; Animals; Antiemetics - therapeutic use; Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; Cytotoxicity; Decision making; diet; Diet - veterinary; disease diagnosis; dog; dog diseases; Dog Diseases - chemically induced; Dog Diseases - diagnosis; Dog Diseases - etiology; Dog Diseases - therapy; Dogs; emesis; etiology; Life sciences; literature reviews; Management; Médecine vétérinaire & santé animale; Review; Reviews; Sciences du vivant; therapeutics; Veterinary medicine & animal health; Vomiting; Vomiting - diagnosis; Vomiting - etiology; Vomiting - therapy; Vomiting - veterinary
• ISSN: 0022-4510; 1748-5827; 1748-5827
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00820.x

Emesis is a common presenting sign in small animal practice. It requires a rational approach to management that is based upon a sound understanding of pathophysiology combined with logical decision making. This review, which assesses the weight of available evidence, outlines the physiology of the vomiting reflex, causes of emesis, the consequences of emesis and the approach to clinical management of the vomiting dog. The applicability of diagnostic testing modalities and the merit of traditional approaches to management, such as dietary changes, are discussed. The role and usefulness of both traditional and novel anti-emetic drugs is examined, including in specific circumstances such as following cytotoxic drug treatment. The review also examines areas in which common clinical practice is not necessarily supported by objective evidence and, as such, highlights questions worthy of further clinical research.