Clinical therapeutic coordinates in diarrheal syndrome in dogs

Diarrhea syndrome is an increase in the frequency, volume or fluidity of feces as an expression of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction; it is a symptom, not a disease. Clinically, it is classified according to duration (acute or chronic) and location (small intestine or large intestine), which guide investigations and therapeutic management. Physiopathologically, the mechanisms involved are osmotic, secretory, permeability/exudation, altered motility, or mixed. Therapeutic approach (principles): the objectives are to limit progression, along with rapid rehydration, correction of hydroelectrolytic/acid-base imbalances, and etiological treatment.