Gastritis in Dogs

What is Gastritis in Dogs?

Gastritis is a common digestive disorder that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. It refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining and can lead to discomfort and various health issues if left untreated.  It may occur as a short episode (acute) or have a long duration (chronic) and may be associated with underlying conditions that are more serious. If your pet is suffering from excessive vomiting, consult your veterinarian. An examination may reveal that the gastric mucosa is inflamed. This may cause complications such as irritation, infection, ulceration, and blockage of gastric function. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gastritis in dogs is essential for responsible pet ownership.

Types of Gastritis in Dogs

Gastritis in dogs refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, and it can have various causes and types. Here are some common types of gastritis in dogs:

Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Gastritis

This form of gastritis involves an infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells into the stomach lining. It is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may affect not only the stomach but also the intestines.

Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastritis

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can infect the stomach lining in dogs, leading to gastritis. It can contribute to chronic inflammation and may be associated with the development of gastric ulcers.

Stress-Induced Gastritis

Some dogs may develop gastritis due to stress or anxiety. This can be especially common in highly anxious or sensitive dogs and may lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Chemical or Drug-Induced Gastritis

Ingestion of certain chemicals, medications, or toxins can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis. Common culprits include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and household chemicals.

Parasitic Gastritis

Some parasites, such as Giardia and stomach worms, can infect the stomach and lead to gastritis. These infections can cause digestive issues and may require specific treatments.

Food Allergy-Induced Gastritis

Dogs can develop gastritis due to food allergies or intolerances. In such cases, switching to a hypoallergenic diet may be necessary to alleviate symptoms.

Idiopathic Gastritis

In some cases, the exact cause of gastritis cannot be determined, and it is classified as idiopathic gastritis. This means that the inflammation occurs without an obvious underlying cause.

How to Test for Gastritis in Dogs?

If you suspect your dog may have gastritis, it's important to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian may use a combination of the following methods to test for gastritis in dogs:

• Physical Examination
• Blood Tests
• Fecal Examination:
• X-rays or Ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Dietary Trials

How to Treat Gastritis in Dogs?

1. Supported Care

• Fasting your dog for 12-24 hours
• After the fasting period, reintroduce food gradually. Offer small, bland meals such as boiled white rice with boiled chicken or lean ground beef. And feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help reduce the strain on the stomach.
• Adding probiotics to your dog's food. Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. 
• Avoid Triggers: This could include removing access to trash, avoiding table scraps, and preventing your dog from consuming non-food items.
• Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing access to clean, fresh water at all times. 

2. Medications

This might include antacids, anti-emetics (to stop vomiting), or antibiotics if an infection is suspected.

Antacids:

• Tums (calcium carbonate)
• Maalox (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide)
• Rolaids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide)
• Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)

Anti-emetics (to stop vomiting):

• Ondansetron (Zofran)
• Promethazine (Phenergan)
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• Cimetidine

Antibiotics (if an infection is suspected):

• Amoxicillin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Doxycycline
• Neomycin Sulfate

If parasites are identified as the cause of gastritis, the veterinarian will prescribe appropriate deworming medications or treatments.

The specific dewormer used will depend on the type of parasites present. Common dewormers include drugs like albendazole, fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or praziquantel.

How Long Does Gastritis Last in Dogs?

In many cases, acute gastritis can resolve within a few days to a week with proper treatment and dietary management. Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, may persist for weeks, months, or even be a lifelong condition, depending on the underlying cause.

How to Prevent Gastritis in Dogs?

Here are some steps you can take to help prevent gastritis in your dog:

• Dogs are notorious for getting into trash cans, which can lead to ingestion of harmful substances, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Keep trash cans securely closed and out of your dog's reach, 
• Instead of feeding your dog one or two large meals a day, consider dividing their daily food portion into smaller, more frequent meals. This can help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of gastric upset.
• Keep your dog on a regular deworming and flea prevention program. These parasites can contribute to gastrointestinal issues.

Gastritis VS Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Gastritis and gastroenteritis are both medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system in dogs, but they involve different parts of the digestive tract and have distinct causes and symptoms. Here's a breakdown of the differences between the two:

Gastritis

• Location: Gastritis primarily affects the stomach lining.
• Cause: Gastritis is usually caused by inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. Common causes include dietary indiscretion (eating something inappropriate or spoiled food), infections, stress, medications, or underlying diseases.
• Symptoms: Dogs with gastritis may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes, blood in vomit or stools.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, medical history, and may include blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound to rule out other underlying issues.
• Treatment: Treatment for gastritis often includes dietary changes (such as a bland diet), medications to reduce stomach acid and inflammation, and addressing the underlying cause if identified.

Gastroenteritis

• Location: Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of both the stomach and the intestines.
• Cause: Gastroenteritis can have multiple causes, including viral infections (such as parvovirus or canine distemper), bacterial infections (such as Salmonella or E. coli), dietary indiscretion, parasites, toxins, or food allergies.
• Symptoms: Dogs with gastroenteritis often exhibit more severe symptoms than those with gastritis. These symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody or contain mucus), abdominal pain, lethargy, dehydration, and a loss of appetite.
• Diagnosis: The diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, medical history, fecal tests to check for parasites, blood tests, and sometimes imaging studies.
• Treatment: Treatment for gastroenteritis aims to address the underlying cause, provide supportive care (e.g., fluids to correct dehydration), and manage symptoms. This may involve antibiotics for bacterial infections, anti-parasitic medications for parasites, or dietary changes. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

It's important to note that both conditions can have overlapping symptoms, and a veterinarian will often need to perform diagnostic tests to differentiate between them accurately. If you suspect your dog is suffering from either gastritis or gastroenteritis, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment, as both conditions can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

FAQs

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