Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Gastritis in Dogs (Part 2)

Gastritis refers to acute or chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. In some cases it can extend to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in gastroenteritis. Gastritis is one of the most common diseases in dogs.

[Causes] Ingestion of spoiled or indigestible food and foreign objects. Caused by the use of highly irritating drugs in the eyes. Secondary to other diseases, such as canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, parvoviral enteritis, liver flukes, pancreatitis, nephritis, and intestinal parasitic diseases.

[Symptoms] Clinically, the main features are vomiting, abdominal pain, and depression. Affected dogs have a strong sense of thirst, but vomit immediately after drinking, and have reduced appetite or no appetite, with symptoms of dehydration and weight loss. When caused by foreign objects, foreign objects or blood may be seen in the vomit. On palpation, the abdomen is sensitive and the dog resists; it prefers to squat or lie prone on cool ground.

[Treatment] The principles are to protect the gastric mucosa, suppress vomiting, remove the cause, and prevent dehydration.

(1) Stop feeding spoiled food and irritating drugs. Fast for more than 24 hours, and let the dog lick a small amount of ice cream or ice cubes.

(2) Administer antiemetics: metoclopramide 1-2 mg/kg body weight, 2 times/day. Or oral domperidone tablets 2 mg/kg body weight, 2 times/day. Chlorpromazine 1-? mg can also be injected intramuscularly, 1-2 times/day.

(3) For anti-inflammation: gentamicin 10,000 units/kg body weight, intramuscular injection, 2 times/day; oral administration of 20,000 units/kg body weight is also possible, 2 times/day.

(4) For cases with dehydration and no eating, intravenous infusion of glucose saline 30 mL/kg body weight and 5% sodium bicarbonate injection 2 mL/kg body weight, once/day.