Stomach ulcer in a dog

Stomach ulcers are not uncommon in dogs. And the owners are almost always to blame. Some don't care about their pets, while others are overly protective, always eager to feed and pamper them. The result is digestive problems, gastritis, ulcers, and pancreatitis.

However, there are other reasons why pets might develop this unpleasant condition. We'll explore them below.

Causes of gastric ulcers in dogs

There are many reasons why dogs develop stomach ulcers - here are just a few of them:

Poor nutrition

First and foremost, I'd like to put improper feeding first. This isn't just about an unbalanced diet or feeding spoiled food (yes, some owners are guilty of feeding their dogs fermented soup, porridge, pieces of sausage that they won't eat themselves, etc.). We need to focus on soups and sausages in more detail! These are completely prohibited foods. No, not only can you give soup to dogs, but you should (especially if the animal already has... gastritis), but it must be prepared without adding spices, salt and prohibited products!

How do we feed our pets? Whatever we cook for ourselves, we feed it to our pet. Sometimes they even pour it from their own plate into a bowl, along with peppers and heavy cream. Sausages, hot dogs, and smoked meats—you just can't give them to dogs! Don't want it yourself, or is it spoiled? Throw it away! A dog isn't a trash can where you can stuff it with things you wouldn't eat yourself.

Also, read the ingredients of these products. They contain everything. Not everyone can eat them, and pets are completely prohibited from eating such foods, which contain more spices, salt, and preservatives than essential vitamins and minerals. So, if you feed your pet prohibited foods or food from your table, digestive problems will sooner or later make themselves known.

Medicinal

This is also a fairly common type of stomach ulcer in dogs. In some cases, it's a side effect of taking a veterinarian-prescribed medication (maybe it's inappropriate, the owner administered it incorrectly, or an overdose was taken), but more often, it's the pet owner who decides what, how much, and how many times a day to give their pet. The owner will make their own diagnosis (often, there are "helpers" online, for example, who say, "Oh, we had the same problem"), prescribe treatment, and then panic because the dog has gotten even worse.

Many medications (especially those intended for human use) are completely unsuitable for dogs. Some prohibited medications include salicylates (Aspirin and its analogues), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketofen, Rimadyl), glucocorticoids (Dexamethasone, Prednisolone), and others. Be careful with these medications. Never give them to your pet without consulting a veterinarian.

Other reasons

Other possible causes of stomach ulcers in dogs include:

• Consequence after other diseasesFor example, gastritis worsens and develops into an ulcer.
• Liver problemsThis is especially true if bile is produced in much greater quantities than required. This disrupts the balance of the digestive system. Bile enzymes stimulate the production of enzymes in the stomach, which, in turn, corrode the mucous membrane and underlying layers.
• Renal failureIt would seem that the kidneys and the stomach are not the same, and what's the connection between them? As soon as the blood urea concentration rises, gastrin production decreases. As a result, hydrochloric acid is secreted in enormous quantities, and the mucous membrane can't withstand it, leading to ulceration. And the worse the animal's condition, the deeper and more severe the ulcer.
• Neoplasms in the stomachTumors grow, the mucous membrane becomes damaged and easily ulcerates.
• Stress, shock.
• PoisoningDon't forget about poisons either. Poisoning also damages the digestive system. In some cases, recovery is relatively quick and without complications, while in others, lifelong consequences can occur (if the pet's life is even saved).

Symptoms of stomach ulcers in dogs

The symptoms of a stomach ulcer in a dog are non-specific. Some are very noticeable, while others are subtle. Therefore, it may not be immediately apparent to the owner that an ulcer is the cause.

Vomiting and diarrhea

The dog begins vomiting. Blood is noticeably present in the vomit. However, this doesn't mean the vomit will be red; it's more often a "coffee-colored" color. Due to digestive problems, the animal experiences diarrhea. The stool smells sour and pungent.

Appetite is greatly reduced or absent altogether

It's understandable how to eat when your stomach hurts, because when you eat food, hydrochloric acid starts to be actively produced. And that's very painful. Just think, such a strong acid coming into contact with an open wound. How could you not howl in pain?

Pain in the stomach when palpated

If you palpate the stomach area, it will be extremely painful. The animal will whine, struggle, and arch its back.

Increased thirst

This can be explained by the body's attempt to restore its water balance. During vomiting and diarrhea, animals become dehydrated. Therefore, drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Furthermore, a large amount of water in the stomach reduces the concentration of hydrochloric acid (dilutes it). Therefore, the pain subsides slightly, and the whiskers feel better. But not for long, as the illness persists., The dog's stomach ulcer continues to bother him.

Unnatural posture

They call it "praying." Only in it does the animal feel better.

Anemia

In severe cases it develops anemia (If the ulcer is bleeding heavily). The mucous membranes are pale. No one can make a better diagnosis than a veterinarian, so as soon as you notice these symptoms of a stomach ulcer in your dog, don't delay and take your pet to the vet!

Treating a dog with a stomach ulcer

Treatment for a dog with a stomach ulcer begins with a diagnosis. To do this, the veterinarian must not only examine the animal but also conduct additional tests (laboratory testing of blood, urine, and even stool samples for blood, ultrasound, X-rays, and other procedures). Making a diagnosis based solely on symptoms is inappropriate. Therefore, look for clinics that have laboratories and the necessary equipment.

List of similar diseases

Understand that additional examinations are not a way to extort money from the owner, but an opportunity to make a correct diagnosis, discover the cause of the disease, and assess the extent of the lesion. Only the combined results of all the tests allow for the prescription of effective treatment. After all, the symptoms of a stomach ulcer in a dog are similar to those of other diseases such as

1. gastritis,
2. hepatitis (especially viral),
3. pancreatitis,
4. leptospirosis,
5. parvovirus enteritis,
6. renal failure and poisoning (which themselves can cause the development of ulcers),
7. foreign body in the stomach,
8. cholecystitis,
9. parasitic invasion and others.

You'll agree, the list of diseases with clinical signs characteristic of ulcers is extensive. And without additional testing, it's simply impossible to "recognize" the condition.

Treatment plan for dogs

Typically, the treatment plan for a dog with a stomach ulcer looks like this:

• H2 receptor blockers. These medications are given to the animal to reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin. M-anticholinergics are also necessary, which inhibit the functioning of all digestive glands.
• Omeprazole and its analogues, because these drugs “speed up” the proton pump.
• These medications not only protect but also help the affected mucous membrane heal faster. They are sometimes called "band-aids."
• Antiemetic (most often Cerucal, since it not only stops vomiting, but also normalizes intestinal motility).

However, don't self-medicate! Otherwise, you risk giving your pet an antiemetic when vomiting "helps" (for example, in cases of poisoning, vomiting helps remove most of the toxins from the digestive tract). Furthermore, if there's a foreign body in the stomach or throat, vomiting can help remove the unwanted substance. Furthermore, you might miscalculate the dosage, which could cause even more harm to your pet. All treatment for a dog with a stomach ulcer should be supervised by a qualified veterinarian!

• Antibiotics. Yes, unfortunately, we can't do without them anymore. An ulcer is already a "wound," so there's always a risk that bacteria will enter the bloodstream through it, thereby increasing inflammation in the stomach.
• Hemostatic agents, as well as drugs containing vitamin K1.
• Intravenous administration of both saline solutions and amino acid supplements is necessary to rehydrate and "feed" the dehydrated dog, as a dog with a stomach ulcer will barely eat.

However, in addition to medication, dietary therapy is mandatory. Without a gentle diet, your pet will never gain weight.

Diet for a dog with stomach ulcers

What should I feed a dog with a stomach ulcer? Feeding a pet properly is paramount. Portions should be small, but meals should be more frequent (3-4). Food should be at room temperature. Hot or cold food will only further irritate the stomach lining. Plenty of water is essential. It should be clean, at room temperature, and changed at least once a day. The animal should have free access to drinking water.

We are starving

During the first 24 hours after diagnosis, your veterinarian will likely recommend a fasting diet. Only on the following day should you gradually introduce new foods. The food should be easily digestible, soft, and warm. Feed mucilaginous cereals (oatmeal, rice, or pearl barley) in water (without oil, salt, sugar, or other additives). Avoid meat for now. It takes too long to digest, causing the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid and enzymes, which is difficult for an animal with an ulcer. Chicken is an exception, but not too often (start with chicken broths; after a week or two, you can introduce poultry meat into the diet).

The Importance of Protein

But protein is essential. It's essential for any animal (especially a predator). Where can you get protein if you have to be careful with meat? Boiled eggs are recommended. Milk, cottage cheese, and other fermented milk products are prohibited—they will cause increased hydrochloric acid production in the dog's stomach.

If your pet has been eating dry food, owners don't need to worry too much about preparing the right food for their dog. There are plenty of specialized dietary foods available (for animals with digestive problems). Just be sure to soak the food in water first to prevent any hard particles from further irritating the mucous membranes.

Preventing stomach ulcers in dogs

Prevention of stomach ulcers in dogs, as with any other disease, consists of preventing the pet from being exposed to the causes of the disease.

• Feed your pet properly. Balance the diet. Don't give them table scraps or table scraps. Throw away spoiled food and chicken bones, and keep the trash can out of your pet's reach. Make sure your dog doesn't ingest anything inedible (rocks, bones, toys, Christmas tinsel, sausage skins with metal rings, etc.).
• Prevent stress.
• Don't neglect other illnesses (gastritis, pancreatitis, kidney and liver disease, and other ailments). Treat promptly and appropriately under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Do not self-medicate. Do not administer any medications without consulting a veterinarian.

This is what an endoscopy for gastric ulcers in dogs looks like on video (if you don't have to watch it and are easily sensitive, don't watch it).

Any questions? You can ask our website's staff veterinarian in the comments below, who will answer them as quickly as possible.

Read also:

• Gastric torsion in dogs
• Quamatel for dogs
• Yellow Vomit in Dogs: Causes and Treatment