Gastritis in Dogs
When the gastric mucosa of the stomach gets inflamed, we are refering to gastritis. The word comes from the Greek “gastro”, meaning “of the stomach“, and “-itis” which means “inflammation”. Gastritis in dogs, just like in humans, causes a series of unpleasant symptoms. Considering that some dogs will eat everything, either they disagree with it or not, this is a common condition in dogs.
Causes of Gastritis in dogs
As mentioned above, dogs are usually exposed to all kinds of food. Obviously, the dog will not discriminate and eat what he sees in front of him. Therefore, a dog is exposed to things like garbage, spoiled raw food, foreign objects, plants, toxins, mold, fungi, etc. Besides this, in the household they are sometimes fed food that is not appropriate for them or in a large amount.
All these have the potential of causing the lining of the stomach to inflame. So acute gastritis in dogs happens with relative frequency.
Other conditions can also be a trigger for gastritis in dogs:
- Antibiotics Fungal infection
- Overeating
- Anti-inflammatories
- Pancreatitis Bacterial infection
- Peritonitis Bilious vomiting syndrome
- Addison’s disease
- Water molds
- Spoiled food
- Stress Dietary indiscretion
- Intestinal parasites
- Food allergy
- Fungal toxins
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Neoplasia
Symtoms of gastritis in dogs
When the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, it can lead to other conditions. The following are some of the conditions you should be looking at if you suspect your dog is suffering gastritis:
- Decreased appetite
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Lethargy
- Excessive vomiting
- Diarrhea in dogs
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Hunching of the back (this is an indication of adominal pain)
If your dog is suffering from acute gastritis, the symptoms might clear up in 24 hours. It will take two or more weeks from chronic gastritis to go away before it worsens.
Treatment
You should take your veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms detailed above. The first line of action once gastritis has been confirmed, is to rehydrate and restore electrolites through an IV. To fight bacterial infection causing the vomiting in dogs, he might prescribe antibiotics.
You will probably have to follow a special diet prescribed by the vet. He will tell you what is safest and fastest way for your dog to make a full recovery.
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