Canine Gastritis: Treatment and Management

Canine gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, is a common ailment affecting dogs. It can manifest as acute gastritis, a sudden onset condition, or chronic gastritis, a more persistent issue. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for providing your canine companion with the best possible care.

Causes of Canine Gastritis:

Acute gastritis frequently arises from dietary indiscretions. Overfeeding, consumption of spoiled food, ingestion of excessively hot or cold food, and drinking contaminated water are primary culprits. The ingestion of irritating substances, including certain medications and various chemicals (e.g., phosphorus, arsenic, lead, aluminum, mercury, sulfuric acid), can also directly damage the stomach lining and trigger acute inflammation. Furthermore, acute gastritis can be a secondary complication of infectious diseases like canine distemper, canine parvovirus, acute uremia, and bacterial gastroenteritis.

Chronic gastritis, often stemming from unresolved acute gastritis, can develop due to prolonged exposure to inflammatory agents, insufficient stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria), nutritional deficiencies, and endocrine imbalances. Underlying conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also contribute to chronic gastric inflammation. In some cases, chronic gastritis might develop insidiously without a clear preceding acute episode.

Symptoms of Canine Gastritis:

The clinical presentation of canine gastritis varies depending on the severity and duration of the inflammation. Acute gastritis typically displays a more dramatic onset of symptoms. These may include:

Fever: Elevated body temperature is a common indicator of acute inflammation.

Anorexia: Complete loss of appetite is frequently observed.

Vomiting: This is a hallmark sign of gastritis, initially featuring undigested food and mucus-like stomach fluids, potentially progressing to vomiting containing blood.

Polydipsia (excessive thirst): Dogs will often drink excessively, but vomiting may immediately follow water ingestion.

Lethargy and Depression: Dogs will appear subdued, exhibiting signs of discomfort.

Abdominal Pain: Sensitivity to abdominal palpation (touching the belly) is often present.

Dehydration: Signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity, and a dry mouth, can develop due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.

Pale Gums: Pallor of the gums can indicate anemia.

Changes in Stool: While not always present in gastritis, diarrhea can sometimes occur.

Chronic gastritis symptoms are often less dramatic but persistent. They include:

Intermittent Vomiting: Vomiting episodes are not always directly linked to eating.

Vomiting with Blood: Occasional presence of blood in vomit is common.

Poor Appetite: A gradual decline in appetite is often observed.

Weight Loss: Progressive weight loss is a serious concern.

Dull Coat: The dog’s fur may become dry, dull, and unkempt.

Mild Anemia: A reduction in red blood cells may occur over time.

Cachexia (severe wasting): In advanced stages, chronic gastritis can lead to a debilitating loss of muscle mass and body fat.

Treatment of Canine Gastritis:

The treatment approach for canine gastritis centers around addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and supporting the dog’s overall health.

1. Removing the Cause: Identify and eliminate the offending agent. This may involve dietary changes, removing toxins, or treating underlying infections.

2. Dietary Management: A crucial aspect of treatment involves withholding food for 24 hours and water for 12 hours to allow the stomach to rest. Following this period, introduce small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods, such as warm milk (if tolerated), bland broth, or cooked rice porridge. Avoid rich or fatty foods.

3. Eliminating Toxins: If the gastritis is toxin-induced, supportive care may include inducing vomiting (under veterinary guidance), administering activated charcoal to bind to toxins, or employing other detoxification methods as determined by a veterinarian.

4. Anti-Emetic Therapy: For persistent vomiting, antiemetic medications like metoclopramide (Reglan) or ondansetron (Zofran) may be prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. These medications should only be given under veterinary supervision.

5. Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary to correct dehydration, especially in severe cases. Fluid therapy will also replenish essential electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.

6. Antibiotic Therapy: If bacterial infection is suspected or present, appropriate antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, cephalexin) will be administered to combat the infection. The choice of antibiotic will depend on bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.

7. Gastroprotectants: Medications that protect the stomach lining, such as sucralfate or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole), may be used to reduce stomach acid production and promote healing.

8. Probiotics: Introducing beneficial gut bacteria through probiotics can help restore the balance of the gut microbiome and aid in digestion.

9. Supportive Care: Providing a quiet, comfortable environment and monitoring the dog’s hydration status are essential.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention:

Any instance of vomiting, especially if persistent, accompanied by lethargy, fever, or bloody stools, warrants immediate veterinary attention. Chronic vomiting and weight loss also necessitate professional veterinary evaluation. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, possibly conduct blood work and imaging studies (radiographs, ultrasound) to diagnose and manage the condition appropriately. Do not attempt to self-treat your dog; always consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve the prognosis for canine gastritis.