Introduction
Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is one of the most common stomach disorders in dogs and can present in acute, chronic or toxic forms. There are many causes of gastritis in dogs. Clinically, the first sign of gastritis usually is vomiting; food and bile, and even blood, may be vomited. Anorexia is also common, probably from nausea.
Causes of Gastritis in Dogs
Acute Gastritis
Acute gastritis (which is a sudden onset of conditions associated with disruption of the stomach lining) is most commonly associated with food poisoning, overeating, eating “the wrong thing” or some sort of bacterial or viral infection of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It commonly occurs when dogs eat out of the garbage, or have other dietary indiscretions such as eating foods they do not normally eat, or ingesting rotten or spoiled meat. Dogs are more commonly affected than are cats, because of dogs’ less discriminating eating habits. Irritating drugs, such as “NSAIDS” (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can also cause acute onset of gastritis. Acute gastritis almost always involves intense abdominal pain. The symptoms are usually severe, even though they may be of short duration.
Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis refers to a disruption of the normal flora of the stomach that occurs over a prolonged period of time. It is often associated with a bacterial or viral infection. Bacteria from the Helicobacter genus are frequently associated with chronic gastritis in dogs. Dietary issues and certain medications (especially NSAIDS, such as aspirin) also can contribute to chronic gastritis.
Toxic Gastritis
Toxic gastritis is caused by ingestion of a corrosive substance, such as a strong acid or another poison. The dog will experience strong, cramping stomach pain, frequently followed by vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Other Causes of Gastritis
Gastritis can occur in dogs that have eaten undigestible materials such as plastic or string. If these objects “sit” in the stomach without being passed through the gastrointestinal tract, they can cause severe irritation of the lining of the stomach, with associated inflammation and discomfort. Other conditions can also cause gastritis. For example, parvovirus is well known to cause severe and acute gastritis, and dogs with mast cell tumors or kidney disease may also suffer from gastritis.