This week’s word is borborygmi. I love this word!
We’ve all heard borborygmi from our own bodies, or possibly from the classmate sitting next to you in 11 am math class, who can’t wait to get to the cafeteria to eat lunch! We say, “my belly’s growling.” Animals’ intestines make these noises too. Sometimes it’s a normal sound, just part of regular digestion.
Other times, loud rumbling from a dog or cat’s abdomen indicates an upset tummy. Rumbling may be followed by abnormal stool production (as in profuse diarrhea), so watch out! Certain conditions of the gut, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can cause an increase in gas production, which can also lead to some abnormal sounds in the abdomen. Another disease called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), fairly common in dogs but rare in cats, leads to borborygmus. In this disease, the pancreas fails to produce enzymes needed to digest food. The presence of undigested food in the intestines leads to inflammation, gas production, and diarrhea.
How can you tell the difference between normal and abnormal borborygmi in your dog or cat? Usually, an animal whose tummy is making these sounds because there is something wrong will be showing some discomfort, having trouble getting settled, wanting to go outside frequently, not eating very well or at all. The best thing to do in this case is restrict food and water. Some animals may choose to eat grass outside and may vomit afterwards, after which they may seem to feel better. If the discomfort continues and is accompanied by vomiting and/or diarrhea, continue to restrict food and water and contact your veterinary office for advice and an appointment.