Introduction
The therapeutic goals in cases of gastric ulcers include identifying and removing the underlying causes of the ulcers, promoting healing of the stomach lining, and stabilizing the dog to prevent further internal bleeding or perforation. Stomach ulcers in dogs can be treated through supportive care, dietary modification, medication, surgery and lifestyle changes. Severe cases of stomach ulcers in dogs which cause life threatening symptoms require hospitalization and intravenous fluid replacement therapies, blood transfusions and intravenous nutritional or electrolytic support.
Treating Stomach Ulcers in Dogs
For dogs suffering from acute signs of gastric ulcers, such as severe vomiting that results in dehydration and blood loss, the first line of treatment is supportive care, and likely hospitalization. Intravenous fluid replacement, nutritional and electrolyte support, antibiotics, pain medication (analgesics) and drugs to address vomiting (antiemetics) may all be necessary or appropriate. Blood transfusions may be necessary. Dietary changes and prescription medication therapies will need to be continued once the dog is released from the veterinary hospital.
Surgery may be called for if the ulcers are deeply penetrating the stomach lining, are bleeding profusely and continuously, have perforated the stomach or are extraordinarily large and resistant to healing.
Medications are a very common treatment for gastric ulcers, although remember that certain drugs can actually cause stomach ulcers. There are a number of drugs that your veterinarian can prescribe to reduce the production of gastric acid and to coat the lining of the stomach so as to help relieve the clinical effects of ulcers. Other drugs are available to treat vomiting.
Dietary changes may help mild cases of stomach ulcers in dogs, and may reduce the severity of symptoms when dogs are suffering from severe ulceration. Highly digestible prescription foods may help reduce inflammation and irritation of the dog’s gastrointestinal system. Feeding small meals multiple times a day can also help reduce gastrointestinal irritation caused by stomach ulcers. Free access to water should always be provided. Medications and foods which can cause or contribute to stomach ulcers should be removed from the dog’s regimen. Your veterinarian is best equipped to identify these for you.
Stress can contribute to gastrointestinal irritation in pets, as in people. Pet owners should take a close look at their dog’s environment to identify any particular stressors. These can include loud noises, the absence of a secure and private place for sleep and rest and a lack of exercise and play times during the day.