Managing gastroenteritis in puppies: veterinary practices in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados

This research explored the approaches of veterinarians to diagnosis and treatment of gastroenteritis in puppies up to 1 year of age in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The study assessed clinical decision-making, therapeutic interventions, and utilisation of evidence-based practices. Data were gathered from veterinarians through online surveys and semi-structured interviews. The study revealed a significant association between the diagnosis of parvovirus and hospitalisation (p < 0.001), as well as between the diagnosis of parvovirus and intravenous (IV) fluid administration (p = 0.002). All veterinarians used a multi-drug regimen in treatment. Similarities in treatment protocols among veterinarians with different years of activity were observed, with the most used therapeutic agents being lactated ringer's solution (fluid therapy), metronidazole (antibiotic), vitamins (nutraceutical), metoclopramide (antiemetic), and Fortiflora® (probiotic). Based on the data collected, symptomatic treatment modalities consistent with current international literature are widely utilized by the veterinarians in Barbados. However, due to a low response rate, the same cannot be concluded for Trinidad and Tobago.