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This article is still under construction. |
Signalment
Description
There are many disease associations including:
| Disease Type | E.g. |
| Hypotension | Shock, Sepsis |
| Drug - induced | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Idiopathic | Stress, exercise induced |
| Inflammatory | Gastritis |
| Neoplastic | Adenocarcinoma, lymphosarcoma, leiomyoma |
| Metabolic/endocrine | Hypoadrenocorticism, liver disease, uraemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, mastocytosis and hypergastrinaemia |
Gastric ulceration is caused by damage to the gastric mucosa through the above mechanisms. NSAIDs directly damage the mucosa and interfere with the prostaglandin synthesis. Gastric ulceration is worsened by the use of NSAIDs in combination with corticosteroids. This risk can be minimised by using cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam and deracoxib.
Gastric acid hypersecretion following mast cell degranulation of histamine and gastrin secretion from gastrinomas is a major cause of gastric ulceration. Sled dogs and equine race horses are prone to gastric ulceration.
Diagnosis
History and Clinical Signs
History may involve:
- Access to toxins and drugs such as NSAIDs
Clinical Signs:
- Vomiting
- Haematemesis
- Malaena
- Pale mucous membranes
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Inappetance
- Hypersalivation
- Circulatory comprimise
Haematology
Biochemistry
Urinalysis
Plain radiography
Positive Contrast Radiography
Ultrasonography
Endoscopy and Biopsy
Treatment
Fluid therapy
Acid-base correction
Mucosal protectants
Prophylaxis
Anti-emetics
Analgesia
Antibiotics
Surgery
Prognosis
Depends upon the cause