DIGESTIVE

NAUSEA/MOTION SICKNESS/CHRONIC VOMITING

Species affected: Cats, Dogs
Background: Motion sickness is triggered by the sensations from the nerves of the balance mechanism of the inner ear. This is a naturally protective mechanism that may be hypersensitive in some animals. Chronic vomiting may be due to the secondary effects of a deeper illness or it may reflect an ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract. These causes are usually not infectious, but may involve such processes as: a foreign body in the digestive tract, kidney or liver problems, cancer, allergies, autoimmune states, or chronic toxicity due to drug side effects or exposure to chemicals. The cause should be determined and treated accordingly.
Symptoms: Salivation, nausea, vomiting.
Diagnostics: For chronic vomiting, digestive function tests are useful, as are blood values to check for internal diseases or signs of toxicity; a very thorough history (for example, some animals are exposed to toxins when neighbors spray or treat properties with toxic chemicals).
Special Notes: Small animals should travel on an empty stomach if they are sensitive to motion sickness.
Principles for Supplementation: Line intestinal tract with soothing herbs or with Chinese herbs to help prevent nausea.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—NAUSEA/MOTION SICKNESS/CHRONIC VOMITING