Stomach Ulcers

Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers in dogs are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach. This lining protects the organs from damage that is caused by gastric acid that assists in digestion of food. Signs of stomach ulcers in dogs may often include abdominal pain, a loss of appetite, or weakness among other symptoms. There are many multiple causes of stomach ulcers in dogs, and although ulcers are usually treatable, there are however some extreme cases where an untreated ulcer can lead to anaemia or even a perforations in the stomach that cause sepsis, shock, or even death. If you see theses signs of a stomach ulcer in your dog, you should consult your veterinarian immediately so that they can form a diagnosis, and determine any underlying factors, and set out a treatment plan. This is what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for stomach ulcers in dogs.

Symptoms
In some very rare cases, dogs that have stomach ulcers are asymptomatic (will show no symptoms); however, the condition is usually painful and it is more likely that you will see some if not all signs if your dog is suffering from a stomach ulcer. If your dog is showing any of the usual symptoms of a stomach ulcer, then you should see a veterinarian immediately. Signs that you may notice in a dog with stomach ulcers:

Abdominal pain, often visible by a “bowing” posture
Weight loss
Lack of appetite
Chronic vomiting
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Black or bloody stool
Diarrhoea
Weakness
Salivation
Anxiety or irritability
Dehydration
Pale gums

In more severe cases you may notice even more extreme symptoms, such as:

Anaemia
Collapse
Loss of consciousness
Disorientation
Shock

Causes
There are many health conditions that can ultimately lead to the formation of stomach ulcers in dogs. Conditions that are know to cause excessive acid in the stomach or break down the protective lining can cause ulcers to form. These are a few possible causes:

Ingesting toxic substances
Exposure to certain drugs, especially long-term medications like corticosteroids or NSAIDs
Ingesting foreign objects
Excessively fatty diet
Irritable bowel syndrome
Chronic gastritis
Allergies
Viral or bacterial infection
Addison’s disease
Liver or kidney disease
Pancreatitis
Tumours of the pancreas or duodenum
Lymphoma
Mast cell tumours
Other cancers
Shock
Stress

Treatments
Treatment for stomach ulcers in dogs can often depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases where the ulcer has perforated the wall of the stomach may require emergency surgery. If a dog has suffered from dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea, then intravenous fluids will be required to restore hydration and electrolytes. Veterinary treatment will also then focus on the underlying cause of the stomach ulcer.

Veterinarians usually prescribe an antacid medication this will be to reduce the level of stomach acid and allow the ulcer to heal. They will also most likely prescribe dietary changes, such as a prescription diet. Dogs that have stomach ulcers should generally stick to low-fat diet and bland foods so they can heal and prevent future ulcers from forming. If there is a bacterial cause of the ulcers, then antibiotics will be prescribed.

There are several natural holistic treatments for ulcers, also and many dog owners choose to go down this avenue, such as the liquorice root, aloe Vera, slippery elm, Echinacea, or alfalfa. Certain supplements such as L-glutamine and quercetine can also strengthen the immune system and prevent new ulcers from forming. You should always check with your veterinarian about these treatments before offering them to your dog.