Gastric Ulcers in Puppies

Gastroscopy allows veterinarians to obtain images of a dog's esophagus and stomach, using a long scope. As a result, gastric ulcers are being diagnosed more frequently in dogs. Puppies can have gastric ulcers, particularly if the puppy ate ibuprofen or aspirin or if the puppy suffers from a serious medial condition like cancer.

  1. Definition

    • A gastric ulcer is an erosion of the lining of a puppy's stomach. The erosion may be superficial, lightly eroding the mucosa or stomach lining, or the erosion may be deep, extending into the layers of the stomach.

    Causes

    • Gastric ulcers in dogs are most commonly caused by the use of corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to treat chronic conditions like arthritis. Puppies are less likely to be on these types of drugs; the cause of a gastric ulcer in a puppy is more likely to be from eating aspirin or ibuprofen, either intentionally or accidentally. Serious illnesses like liver disease, kidney failure and cancer can predispose a puppy to developing gastric ulcers.

    Symptoms

    • Sporadic or chronic vomiting is the primary symptom of a gastric ulcer. Sometimes the puppy's vomit contains old or new blood. Other symptoms of a gastric ulcer in a puppy include: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and black, tarry stools.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Gastric ulcers in puppies are diagnosed using a variety of tests including blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and gastroscopy. Mild gastric ulcers are treated with an easily digestible diet, avoidance of gastric irritants and possibly acid blocking and stomach coating medications. More serious ulcerations might require surgery.