What is the Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation?

Vomiting and regurgitation are two different bodily processes that can occur in pets, and understanding the difference between them can help determine the underlying cause.

Vomiting:

Vomiting is the ejection of contents from the stomach and upper intestine.
It is an active process, with the pet actively using its stomach muscles.
The material produced by vomiting is usually digested and may contain bile, a yellow fluid.
Vomiting can happen soon after eating or hours later.
Common causes of vomiting include stomach inflammation, obstruction from inside or outside the stomach, or abnormal function of the stomach muscles.

Regurgitation:

Regurgitation is the ejection of contents from the esophagus.
It is a passive process, with the pet appearing to just burp up contents.
The material produced does not appear digested and may be covered with slimy mucus.
Regurgitation often, but not always, happens right after eating, and the pet may try to eat the regurgitated food.
Common causes of regurgitation include megaesophagus, which is a dilated esophagus that does not effectively move food to the stomach, and other diseases or obstructions involving the esophagus.

To differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation, it is essential to observe the pet's behavior and the appearance of the expelled material. If the pet is heaving and the material is digested, it is likely vomiting. On the other hand, if the pet is not heaving and the material is undigested, it is likely regurgitation. If you notice your pet vomiting or regurgitating, it is essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.