Stomach

The characteristic symptom of gastric disorder is vomiting within a few minutes, even up to one hour, after a meal. Among the most classic disorders are lesions of the gastric lining, gastric dysfunction and stomach tumors. The first category includes acute or chronic gastritis and ulcers. The origins of acute gastritis are varied. Unsuitable food, toxic substances, foreign bodies, parasitic or infectious diseases, or even hormone imbalances are all possible causes. Chronic gastritis, which is characterized by vomiting that is often resistant to classic treatments, is part of a complex syndrome. Inflammatory, allergic or even metabolic phenomena are often causes. The general health of the dog is affected fairly quickly. Gastric ulcers are characterized by vomiting blood, poor overall health and abdominal pain. They are sometimes the result of acute gastritis. Most often, however, they are caused by medicines such as aspirin or toxic products and more rarely, infectious or parasitic agents. The occurrence of psychosomatic ulcers has not been observed in dogs.

Problems with gastric functions result in either gastroesophageal reflux or food retention that leads to vomiting undigested food several hours after the meal. The dog therefore loses weight very quickly. The cause is linked to a stenosis of the pylorus or a nerve anomaly in gastric motivity. Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary.

Finally, it is not possible to talk about gastric disorders without mentioning the gastric dilation-torsion complex. This particular disorder affects large dogs. It is characterized by abdominal bloating, episodes of vomiting that is rather violent but produces very little and rapid decline of the dog's general health. The dog goes into shock and will die if surgery is not performed as quickly as possible. To prevent the onset of this lethal disease, a few basic rules should be followed. Do not engage the dog in play after a meal and feed the dog digestible food, preferably in two meals per day.

Practical Measures to Avoid Gastric Dilation-Torsion Complex:- Feed the dog in an isolated and calm place- Divide the daily food ration into two meals per day- Choose easily digested food- Wet the food slightly before feeding it to the dog- Observe a rest period after the meal

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