Vomiting of Yellow Mucus in Dogs

Vomiting is not an illness or condition; it is a clinical sign of an underlying disorder.  If your pet is vomiting yellow mucus, he should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the cause. The physical effects are not only causing discomfort to your dog each time he produces bile; the stomach, esophagus and throat may become irritated as well.

The vomiting of yellow mucus may be an indication that there is bile in the dog’s vomit. Bile is an alkaline fluid, which helps with digestion. It breaks down lipids (fats) into smaller particles, which the body is then able to digest. Without bile, lipids would not be digested and would simply be excreted in the feces.  This would prevent the absorption of nutrients through the small intestine. Bile is produced in the liver and then stored in the gallbladder.  The gallbladder then releases bile into the duodenum. The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine.

Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting frothy yellow mucous
• Nausea
• Excessive swallowing
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Stomach upset and noises
• Retching 

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be an acute or chronic condition. The inflammation can cause the organ and the surrounding blood vessels to bleed and get infected. If left untreated pancreatitis can also damage the ability of the pancreas to function normally.

With an intestinal blockage, your dog may vomit yellow mucus because there is something obstructing his intestines. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will cause a chronic irritation of the dog’s intestinal tract.

In the case of bilious vomiting syndrome, the empty stomach causes bile to irritate your dog’s digestive tract; the dog then vomits bile.  It can become an ongoing cycle; empty stomach, bile, and vomit. Vomit, empty stomach and bile.

Gastritis is the inflammation and irritation of the stomach. 

Giardia is a parasite that can invade the gastrointestinal tract and can cause the dog to vomit bile.

To begin, the veterinarian will want to know if your dog is up to date on vaccinations and deworming.  Your dog’s current diet may be discussed and evaluated in order to determine if sensitivities may have developed. 

The veterinarian will then perform a physical exam on the patient. The examination may include taking the temperature, weight, pulse and blood pressure of your canine.  The doctor may palpate the patient’s stomach and listen to his heart and lungs.

Several diagnostic tests may need to be performed in order to help determine the reason for the vomiting of yellow mucus.  The veterinarian may suggest abdominal x-rays, ultrasound, fecal exam or a urinalysis as additional tools.  A complete blood count and a serum chemistry panel may be taken. The doctor may also recommend an endoscopy, whereby a flexible tubular instrument with a small camera is inserted through the mouth or rectum.  This allows the doctor to see images of the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.  If any abnormalities are noted, a biopsy may be taken. This procedure will require that the patient be fasting (12 hours) before the test is performed. General anesthesia will be necessary.

The treatment of vomiting yellow mucus in dogs will depend on what the veterinarian team diagnosed.

Pancreatitis 

Patients may be treated with a low-fat diet, which is fed in smaller but frequent meals.  If the patient is dehydrated he will need to have an IV of fluids, to help replenish his electrolytes. The patient may be prescribed a pain medication. He may be given an injection of an antiemetic medication to help stop the vomiting.

Intestinal Blockage

If the x-rays determined that there is an intestinal blockage, the patient may require surgery to remove the object. The patient will require general anesthesia for the procedure.  He may need to remain hospitalized for 3- 5 days; this will ensure that he has 24/7 care.  The patient will be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet.  Only one protein and a carbohydrate are fed to the dog for a few weeks; such as chicken and sweet potato.  At the end of the few weeks, a new protein and carbohydrate are introduced; such as lamb and potato. If your dog has a reaction to one of the foods, it should be eliminated from his diet. Homemade diets are sometimes recommended.  A veterinary nutritionist/dietitian can help ensure that your pet is on a balanced and nutritional diet which is right for him. Additionally, IBD patients may be prescribed immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics and probiotic treatment.

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

Patients with bilious vomiting syndrome may need to be fed frequent and smaller meals.  At bedtime, a healthy snack may help his stomach not to be empty all night.  An antacid may be prescribed.

Gastritis

Patients with gastritis may have food withheld for 24 to 48 hours. Small amounts of water can be offered;  after the 24 to 48 hours your dog should be fed a smaller amounts than he usually eats, and in frequent intervals.  Food will be increased slowly each day. The patient may be prescribed sucralfate, which will help coat his stomach. An anti-vomiting medication may be given also.

Giardia

Giardia is usually treated with fenbendazole and/or metronidazole. Your dog should be bathed to eliminate any parasite eggs from his fur. The pet’s bowls, bedding, and toys should be washed in hot water.  It is important to also clean and disinfect the flooring, carpets and upholstery. Pets should be re-tested after two weeks.

It is important to follow the treatment plan the veterinarian team prepared for your pet.  Follow-up visits will be required to monitor the patient’s progress.  Patients that underwent surgery will be given postoperative instructions from the surgeon.  An E-collar will have to be worn until the sutures are removed. Patients diagnosed with IBD and pancreatic disease may require lifelong medication treatment.