Gastritis, Acute

Signalment

• Dogs are more commonly affected than cats due to their less selective eating habits.

Description

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
• drugs (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Infectious, viral and bacterial causes are thought to exist in cats and dogs but have not been identified at this point.

Ingestion of these substances causes the disruption of the gastric mucosal barrier. This results in increased permeability, with hydrogen ions and pepsin penetrating the mucosa. An inflammatory response subsequently occurs that may damage blood vessels, resulting in the extravasation of blood and plasma into the gastric lumen. Mucosal erosions can develop due to necrosis of the mucosal epithelial cells.

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.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

• acute vomiting (food, bile together with small amounts of blood may be present in the vomitus)
• anorexia
• polydipsia
• lethargy
• depression