Thickened Stomach Lining in Dogs

When your four-legged friend gets sick, it can be a scary experience. For dogs, vomiting is the most common symptom when experiencing stomach problems. While vomiting is typically a sign of a dog having eaten something that he shouldn't, it can also be the sign of more serious stomach troubles. If you notice persistent vomiting in your dog, immediately consult your veterinarian. Vomiting can be the sign of a thickened stomach lining in dogs.

  1. Upset Stomach

    • A thickened stomach lining in dogs can be caused by an upset stomach. If your dog digs in the trash or eats something outside, the stomach may become inflamed. Typical signs include vomiting. If the vomiting continues, you should consult your vet. A thickened stomach lining caused by an upset stomach can also be the sign of more serious problems, such as liver or kidney disease. Take your dog to the vet if you notice blood in the vomit or if the stomach appears enlarged.

    Gastritis

    • There are many forms of canine gastritis. Acute canine gastritis is typically caused by an irritation, while chronic gastritis can be related to allergies. On the other hand, hypertrophic gastritis causes the lining in the lower part of a dog's stomach to thicken, preventing food and water from passing through. Dogs will not be able to hold food or water down due to the blockage. Other forms of gastritis that cause a thickening include eosinophilic gastritis, which causes white blood cells to gather on the walls of the dog's stomach.

    Pyloric Obstruction or Stenosis

    • Pyloric obstruction, also known as stenosis, occurs when the layers of the dog's stomach lining become thick and inflamed. This is a serious condition, as food and water is not able to leave the stomach. Signs of this condition include dehydration, depression and vomiting. If left untreated, more serious issues, such as weight loss, metabolic problems and the risk of aspiration pneumonia, can occur. Overtime, pyloric obstruction can be fatal. Young, male, short-faced breeds like Boston terriers, boxers and bulldogs are at higher risk for this condition, as well as middle-aged and older small breeds like the Lhasa apso, shih tzu and maltase terrier.

    Diagnosis

    • To determine if your dog has a thickened stomach lining, the vet will take an x-ray or ultra-sound. If the stomach lining appear thick or inflamed, the vet will perform a gastroscopy. The gastroscopy is a test in which the vet is able to take a sample of the dog's stomach wall. The sample is then analyzed to determine the cause of the thickening.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for thickened stomach lining in dogs can be as simple as changing the dog's diet under your vet's supervision. Intravenous fluids, antacids and antibiotics may also be needed. In cases in which the thickened stomach lining is causing an obstruction, surgery may be needed.