Acute Gastritis

Gastritis in dogs can either be acute or chronic. It might be an indication of some other serious health disorders too. A scenario when the dog has been vomiting for at least 1-2 weeks due to inflammation in the stomach is termed as Chronic gastritis. Most often the stomach lining gets irritated due to chemical irritants, foreign bodies, drugs, infectious agents, and long-term hyperacidity syndrome. Immune-mediated diseases or long-term allergen exposure when the antibodies in the system attack the tissues might result in long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.

Gastritis is common among small dog breeds such as Miniature Poodles, Shih-Tzus and Lhasa Apsos or larger breeds like the Drentse Patrijshond or Basenjis. However, other breeds may also be affected.

Clinical Signs

• Severe vomiting
• Decrease in appetite
• Dehydration
• Laziness
• Depression
• An escalation in thirst
• Blood in vomit
• Blood stain in feces
• Abdominal pain

Acute Gastritis stays for less than 24 hours and is usually harmless and self-limits itself. The cause remains unknown, but clinical signs usually resolve before diagnosis generally happens.

Causes

Acute gastritis due to dietary indiscretion is very common in dogs. Ingestion results due to consumption of:

1. Raw or boiled food
2. Prohibited items like garbage
3. Cat excreta
4. Foreign particles & plants
5. Sudden exposure to harmful toxins, molds, and fungi
6. Feeding forbidden stuff like leftovers and table scraps

Dogs suffering from acute gastritis get well within three to four days after proper treatments. The supportive treatments will include things like stopping the dog from eating for a short period.

Causes or Conditions Responsible for Gastritis in Dogs

1. Massive dose of antibiotics
2. Fungal & bacterial infection
3. Overeating
4. Inflammatories that works against the body
5. Neoplasia, especially gastrinoma
6. Pancreatitis
7. Granulomatous gastric disorder
8. Peritonitis
9. Bilious vomiting syndrome
10. Enormous metal poisoning
11. Poisonous plants and chemical irritants
12. Hepatitis
13. Pyometra
14. Chemotherapy
15. Addison's disease
16. Hydro molls
17. Idiopathic corticosteroids

Some other causes are:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Immune-mediated disorders
• Stress
• Endocrine disorders (the result of toxicity)
• Uremia
• Intestinal parasites
• Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
• Lymphoplasmacytic gastroenteritis
• Food allergies
• Mast cell tumors
• Viral infections
• Mycotoxins

Weight loss & Gastritis

Extreme vomiting, excessive diarrhea, and massive anorexia can result in weight loss. An immediate consultation is vital so that the dog can return to its original size as soon as possible. Pytalism is excessive drooling or salivation that may indicate that the dog may have ingested something which can be potentially toxic to its body.

Diagnosis

• Blood Tests
• Urine examination
• Xrays of the abdomen
• Ultrasound
• Endoscopy

Treatment

It depends on the underlying cause of the disease. Most acute cases resolve without the medical intervention.

Non-medical Treatments

1. Do not give food to the dog for 24 to 48 hours
2. Provide small quantity of water for the first 24 hours
3. If the dog does not vomit for the first 24 hours, then highly digestible food for the dog is the next priority (especially a low-fat diet)
4. The food intake should be half the regular intake
5. An escalation in food intake after the next three to four days is advised
6. If vomiting occurs again, further diagnosis is needed

Medical Treatments

1. Protectants of the gastrointestinal tract, sucralfate
2. Medications like metoclopramide
3. Antagonists of H2 receptors, usage will be when the vet suspect's summer ulcers. Examples are ranitidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, and famotidine
4. Inhibitor of the proton pump- omeprazole