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[[Image:Gastric ulceration.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Gastric ulceration - Copyright David Walker RVC]]
[[Image:Gastric ulceration.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Gastric ulceration - Copyright David Walker RVC]]
==Description==
==Description==
Acute inflammation of the stomach is not uncommon, especially that of the canine. The cause is usually the ingestion of substances such as:
Acute inflammation of the stomach is not uncommon, especially that of the canine. The cause is usually the ingestion of substances such as:
foreign objects, spoiled or contaminated food, toxic plants,chemicals and drugs (especially [[NSAIDs|non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]).
Infectious, viral and bacterial causes are thought to exist in cats and dogs but have not been identified as of yet.
Infectious, viral and bacterial causes are thought to exist in cats and dogs but have not been identified as of yet.
Gastritis can cause contraction of gastric smooth muscle which causes spasms and pain. Vomiting may result from the stimulation of nerve endings that connect with the vomiting centre<ref>Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''</ref>.
Gastritis can cause contraction of gastric smooth muscle which causes spasms and pain. Vomiting may result from the stimulation of nerve endings that connect with the vomiting centre<ref>Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''</ref>.
==Signalment==
Dogs are more commonly affected than cats due to their less selective eating habits.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Acute gastritis is a diagnosis of exclusion based on physical examination findings, history of ingestion of causative substances and diagnostic tests.
Acute gastritis is a diagnosis of exclusion based on physical examination findings, history of ingestion of causative substances and diagnostic tests.
===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
Include acute vomiting (food, bile together with small amounts of blood may be present in the vomitus), anorexia, polydipsia, lethargy, depression and if severly affected dehydration.
===Abdominal Palpation===
===Abdominal Palpation===