Epidemiology and clinical management of acute diarrhoea in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK

This study confirms acute diarrhoea as a common clinical condition in dogs managed under primary veterinary care, with 1-in-12 dogs diagnosed each year. The identified breed predispositions suggest some genetic element to the condition. The clinical outcomes following veterinary care appear to be very positive, with over 80% of acute diarrhoea cases not receiving a second veterinary visit. However, antibiotic use remained frequent, despite years of recommendation to the contrary and raises concerns about unnecessary antibiotic therapy for this condition.