Gastrointestinal Physiology
This neurotransmitter increases stomach acidity when released.
What is acetylcholine?
These drugs induce vomiting by stimulating specific receptors in the body.
What are emetics?
This opioid dopamine receptor agonist is the emetic of choice for dogs.
What is apomorphine?
This common over-the-counter medication contains bismuth subsalicylate and is used to coat the intestinal mucosa.
What is Pepto-Bismol®?
This class of drugs decreases stomach acid production by blocking H2 receptors on parietal cells.
What are H2 antagonists?
The hormone that is released from the stomach wall in response to the presence of proteins and stomach distension.
What is gastrin?
These drugs reduce vomiting by blocking receptors in the emetic center and CRTZ.
What are antiemetics?
This alpha-2 adrenergic agonist works better as an emetic in cats than in dogs.
What is xylazine?
These opioid-based antidiarrheal drugs slow peristalsis and increase absorption in the intestines.
What are loperamide (Imodium™) and diphenoxylate (Lomotil™)?
This proton pump inhibitor binds to the luminal surface of parietal cells to block acid secretion.
What is omeprazole (GastroGard®)?
These two prostaglandins have local effects such as increasing mucus production, gastric fluid production, motility, and blood flow.
What are PgE and PgI?
This group of drugs includes laxatives, cathartics, and purgatives, and is used to promote bowel movements.
What are GI motility drugs?
This antiemetic blocks 5-HT3 receptors and is effective for nausea without vomiting.
What is ondansetron (Zofran®)?
This type of diarrhea is caused by bacterial enterotoxins leading to excessive fluid secretion.
What is secretory diarrhea?
This drug forms a protective paste that binds to ulcer sites, acting as a gastromucosal protectant.
What is sucralfate (Carafate™)?
These specialized receptors, located on gastric parietal cells, produce hydrochloric acid when stimulated.
What are H2 receptors?
This class of drugs is used to counteract excess stomach acid and prevent ulcers.
What are antacids?
This antiemetic blocks neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors and is one of the most effective antiemetics for dogs and cats.
What is maropitant (Cerenia®)?
This breed group, including Collies, is more sensitive to opioid-based antidiarrheals.
What are herding breeds?
This synthetic prostaglandin E (PgE) drug increases mucus production and decreases acid secretion but is expensive.
What is misoprostol (Cytotec™)?
This nervous system increases digestive secretions, gut motility, and blood flow to the GI tract.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
This drug category helps regulate rumen function in large animals and includes drugs like neostigmine.
What are ruminatorics?
This prokinetic drug has both central and peripheral antiemetic effects and increases GI motility.
What is metoclopramide?
This adsorbent drug is used to bind toxins in the intestines to prevent absorption.
What is activated charcoal?
This over-the-counter H2 blocker is often overused in vomiting animals but is commonly used for feline chronic kidney disease (CKD).
What is famotidine (Pepcid™)?