Diagnosing Gastritis in Dogs
Dog Breeds
Canine gastritis is normally diagnosed based upon the dog’s history, clinical signs, physical examination findings and response to treatment.
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Introduction
Canine gastritis is normally diagnosed based upon the dog’s history, clinical signs, physical examination findings and response to treatment. The diagnosis typically is made by ruling out possible causes of the dog’s vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
How Gastritis is Diagnosed
Gastrointestinal discomfort can be caused by a number of things, including foreign body obstruction of the bowels, parvoviral infection, bacterial overgrowth, uremia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), hepatic (liver) disease, hypercalcemia and pancreatitis, among other things. Most cases of gastritis occur when a dog eats something that he or she shouldn’t eat. “Dietary indiscretion” is a phrase that dog owners, and their veterinarians, unfortunately are all too familiar with. If a dog is vomiting or showing other signs of abdominal discomfort, owners may consider withholding food for a short period of time, and giving anti-inflammatory medications, even before the reason for the gastrointestinal distress is identified. If the dog improves with these treatments, then the problem was likely due to ingestion of something that didn’t set well in the dog’s stomach, and further treatment will probably be unnecessary.
In chronic or severely acute cases of gastritis, blood tests, radiographs (x-rays) and biopsy of the stomach lining may be necessary to conclusively identify the cause of the condition. Blood tests should be done to rule out systemic illnesses such as parvovirus, liver disease or kidney disease. Radiographs can be used to assess whether a foreign object is causing a blockage of the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Tissue biopsies can be taken using an endoscope, and the results of laboratory examination of the biopsy samples can identify bacterial or viral infections, if present. Sedation is usually necessary for this procedure.
Special Notes
Gastritis is a general term for gastrointestinal inflammation, irritation and discomfort. It is important to identify the cause of gastritis so that appropriate treatment can begin.
Treatment and Care
Symptoms and Types