Gastritis and Gastric Stasis in Dogs

Gastritis and gastric stasis are different conditions, although both can cause vomiting, discomfort and loss of appetite.

Repeated unproductive retching is an emergency If your dog is repeatedly trying to vomit but bringing nothing up, has a swollen or painful abdomen, is restless, weak or collapsing, contact an emergency veterinary practice immediately. These may be signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat.

What is the difference?

Gastritis

Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. It may develop suddenly as acute gastritis or continue for a longer period as chronic gastritis.

Gastric stasis

Gastric stasis describes abnormally slow movement of food and fluid out of the stomach. It may also be referred to as delayed gastric emptying or a gastric motility disorder.

Gastrointestinal stasis is particularly well known in rabbits. It is not generally used in exactly the same way when describing stomach problems in dogs. A dog suspected of having delayed gastric emptying needs veterinary assessment to establish the underlying cause.

Symptoms

Possible symptoms of gastritis or delayed gastric emptying include:

Vomiting or repeated retching
Vomiting undigested food several hours after eating
Loss of appetite
Nausea, drooling or repeated swallowing
Abdominal discomfort or pain
Lethargy or weakness
Dehydration
Increased thirst followed by vomiting
Diarrhoea
Weight loss in chronic cases
Blood in the vomit or faeces
Black, tarry faeces

The prayer position may indicate abdominal pain A dog experiencing abdominal discomfort may lower its chest and front legs while keeping its hindquarters raised. This position can also occur with pancreatitis and other painful abdominal conditions and requires veterinary advice.

Possible causes

Vomiting and reduced stomach movement can have many causes, including:

Eating spoiled food or rubbish
A sudden change of diet
Eating excessive quantities of food
Swallowing a foreign object
Exposure to poisonous plants or chemicals
Certain medicines, including some NSAIDs
Food intolerance or allergy
Parasites
Bacterial, viral or fungal infection
Pancreatitis
Inflammatory gastrointestinal disease
Kidney or liver disease
Addison’s disease
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Stomach ulcers
A tumour or other obstruction
Reduced movement following surgery
Neurological or muscular disease

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet promptly if vomiting is repeated, your dog cannot keep water down, appears unwell or painful, or the symptoms continue.

Seek urgent veterinary attention if your dog:

Has blood in its vomit or faeces
Passes black, tarry faeces
Has a swollen or very painful abdomen
Repeatedly retches without producing vomit
Cannot keep water down
Is very weak, pale, confused or collapses
May have swallowed a foreign object or poison
Is a young puppy, elderly or has another medical condition

Diagnosis

Your vet will ask about your dog’s diet, medication, recent behaviour and anything it may have eaten. A physical examination will assess hydration, abdominal pain and other signs of illness.

Depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms, investigations may include:

Blood tests
Urine and faecal tests
Abdominal X-rays
Ultrasound examination
Contrast imaging to assess stomach emptying
Endoscopy and tissue samples
Specific tests for pancreatitis or hormonal disease

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the condition of the dog. It may include:

Fluid therapy to correct dehydration
Prescription anti-sickness medication
Medication to protect the stomach lining or reduce acid when indicated
Veterinary-prescribed medication to improve gastrointestinal movement
Pain relief suitable for the individual dog
A specially selected, easily digested diet
Small, frequent meals during recovery
Treatment of infection, parasites or underlying disease
Endoscopy or surgery to remove an obstruction or foreign object

Do not give motility medication without a diagnosis Medication intended to stimulate the stomach or intestines may be dangerous if a physical obstruction is present. It should only be used following examination and advice from a veterinary surgeon.

Care at home

Follow the feeding and medication instructions provided by your vet. Do not routinely withhold food from a puppy, elderly dog or dog with another medical condition without veterinary advice.

If your vet recommends feeding during recovery, this will often involve small amounts of an easily digested food given at frequent intervals. Fresh water should remain available unless your vet gives different instructions.

Contact your veterinary practice again if vomiting returns, your dog refuses food, cannot keep water down or develops any new symptoms.

Sources and further information

This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified veterinary surgeon.

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