Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can occur in dogs as a result of superficial or deep injuries. Persistent irritation of the stomach lining can lead to chronic inflammation and ultimately to a stomach ulcer. The disease can take an acute or chronic course.
The stomach lining is normally protected from stomach acid, which is present in the stomach and is very important for digestion, by a layer of mucus and epithelial cells (cells of the covering tissue). As soon as these cells are damaged, acid can reach the deeper, sensitive areas of the lining, where it attacks and destroys them. The breakdown of cells releases histamine (tissue hormone), which leads to a further increase in acid production and consequently to damage to the mucous membrane. Blood circulation and thus the regeneration of affected areas is disrupted. A vicious circle develops.
The triggers of the initial irritation can be divided into primary and secondary causes.
The primary or exogenous (external) causes include the following factors:
The following factors are among the secondary or endogenous (= internal) causes:
Depending on the cause, severity, and progression of gastritis, a wide variety of symptoms may occur. A classic sign of acute gastritis is sudden vomiting, which usually occurs immediately after eating. The animals often vomit only yellowish foam, which may contain blood. As the condition progresses, depending on the severity of the inflammation, abdominal pain, salivation, diarrhea, weakness, and dehydration may occur. Affected animals often show increased thirst and drink more, which further exacerbates vomiting and causes them to lose large amounts of fluid and electrolytes.
Chronic gastritis tends to develop gradually over several weeks. Non-specific symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, dull coat, and pale mucous membranes appear. The animals also show vomiting, but this is not permanent, only occurs occasionally, and is not related to feeding. As a result of bleeding, protein loss, and poor nutrient absorption, weight loss and anemia may also occur. Since the animals usually still eat and drink between episodes of the disease, dehydration and fluid loss do not occur. In cases of secondary inflammation, the symptoms of the underlying disease are often more prominent, so that the gastritis is sometimes even overlooked.
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from stomach pain, you should take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will examine your dog thoroughly and listen to your preliminary report. As part of the diagnosis, it is extremely important for the treating veterinarian to have very accurate information about deworming, feeding, eating habits, and the time and type of vomiting, especially in cases of chronic gastritis. If the suspicion of gastritis is confirmed, the veterinarian will proceed by process of elimination due to the nonspecific symptoms and the many possible causes.
A further X-ray examination is carried out to clarify the presence of foreign bodies, intestinal obstructions, or gastric dilatation. A blood test provides valuable information about potential underlying diseases or infections, blood loss, the degree of dehydration, and possible electrolyte imbalances.
A gastroscopy (endoscopy of the stomach) allows the mucous membrane of the stomach and upper small intestine to be examined directly. The examination must be performed under anesthesia, but it also provides an opportunity to take tissue samples, which may provide clues as to the cause.
As a general rule, the cause of gastritis must first be eliminated, if known, or, in the case of an underlying disease, treated. In mild cases of acute gastritis, a 24-hour fast is usually sufficient to allow the mucous membrane to heal. However, even in these cases, the dog must be slowly reintroduced to food in small portions, starting with a bland diet.
Dogs with severe, acute inflammation usually require fluids, electrolytes, and medication to prevent vomiting in addition to fasting. Mucous membrane-protecting and acid-binding preparations can also be administered to protect the irritated stomach lining. In particularly severe cases, hospitalization and treatment in an animal clinic is recommended to ensure continuous monitoring.
Chronic inflammation is treated in a similar way, although fluid and electrolyte therapy is usually less important. In this case, it is particularly important to adjust the diet, paying attention to both the content (light food) and the type and environment in which the food is given. The animals should be able to eat their food several times a day at regular intervals in a quiet, stress-free environment.
Your veterinary practice will draw up a detailed treatment plan for your individual case and can send you the medication for your dog digitally via petsXL, so that you can find all upcoming medication doses in your timeline and set reminders for yourself.
The prognosis for gastritis in dogs can vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease. Acute inflammation usually heals within one to two weeks, often without treatment, and therefore has a very good prognosis. Chronic gastritis has a significantly poorer prognosis, as treatment can sometimes take several months and may be associated with complications.
Considering the many different triggers of gastritis, comprehensive prevention is virtually impossible. However, the risk of gastritis can be significantly reduced with a few simple measures. These include regular veterinary check-ups and deworming, as well as the careful use of medication. Please always discuss the necessity of medication with your veterinarian on a case-by-case basis.
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