Gastritis in dogs is a type of condition that occurs when the stomach becomes inflamed, irritated, and infected. As a result of gastritis, the dog’s stomach is unable to digest food properly. Gastritis can either occur in dogs in an acute, or chronic, form.
Gastritis in dogs can occur due to a variety of causes including exposure to certain types of viruses and bacteria. Dogs can also develop gastritis if they have a reaction to certain types of foods.
Reflux gastritis is a disorder that occurs in dogs when the stomach lining is injured because of chronic "back flush" or "reflux" of duodenal contents, such as bile and pancreatic enzymes. Animals with reflux gastritis tend to be healthy otherwise and do not vomit any other times.
Gastritis in dogs is often diagnosed based upon the dog’s history, symptoms, and response to treatment. In chronic or severe cases of gastritis, blood tests, x-rays, and even a biopsy of the tissue of the stomach may be needed to conclusively diagnose gastritis.
Treatment options for gastritis in dogs include restricting food, avoiding contact with whatever caused the gastritis to develop in the first place, and in some cases prescription medications and supportive therapies.