As a “human” can tell, suffering from a gastric ulcer isn’t fun. This is why, if you suspect your dog may suffer from one, you will want to get them to a veterinarian immediately! After all, the last thing you want them to deal with is suffering from unnecessary pain. But let’s face it: It can be challenging for you as an owner to recognize when your loved one suffers from a gastric ulcer.
Which is why…
In this article, we wanted to take a moment and discuss some of the things you may be able to notice that could mean that your dog is suffering and should be brought to their vet ASAP! So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
What is a Gastric Ulcer?
A gastric ulcer is an ulcer that occurs in the stomach. Now, it’s essential to understand that “ulcers” can happen in various locations throughout the body, especially throughout the digestive tract. With this in mind, it’s also important to understand that the site of an ulcer will go a long way in determining how “severe” an ulcer may be and how one should treat it.
This is why…
This article will focus on just “gastric” “cars, which occur only within the stomach. When a dog gets a gastric ulcer, it disrupts the gastric mucosa. This means that the mucosal blood flow has changed. The mucous membrane will also be disrupted and will likely impact the epithelial layer (or top layer) of the stomach lining. All of which will probably hurt your dog’s overadog’sastric he”lth.”
Symptoms” & Clinical Signs of Gastric Ulcers
The unfortunate thing about gastric ulcers is that most will go undetected. Sure, they may cause some discomfort, but the likelihood of you noticing this within your dog’s behavior’s likely to be very small. But don’t feel like it because the truth is that most gastric ulcers in humans go undetected as well! Most folks, and we presume dogs, go about their lives thinking that their slight discomfort is normal. And if they experience this discomfort every time they eat, why wouldn’t they…
Observant dog owner, you can increase your chances of possibly detecting a gastric ulcer in your pet if you pay particular attention to their behavior and note any changes in the color or size of their stools, as well as keep an eye out for any clinical signs such as:
- Black, mushy stool that looks like tar,
- Fatigue,
- Weight loss, lack of interest in food or eating,
- Look at stress,
- Vomiting or the desire to vomit,
- Dog moans or a sad look on their doggie face that’s more or regular than the standard “puppy dog “yes,”
- General “signs of pain.
Bleeding that may lead to blood in stool or vomit Causes of Gastric Ulcers
Causes of Gastric Ulcers in Dogs.
Gastric ulcers in dogs can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Infections (bacteria or fungal).
- As well as exposure to long-term medication, particularly antibiotics.
However, Gastric Ulcers do not seem to be a breed-specific disease or illness. Or, to put it another way, any dog can develop a gastric ulcer during their lifetime. While it is true that infections and extended exposure to antibiotics are the most common causes of gastric ulcers in dogs, it should be noted that some gastric ulcers can also be caused by a wide variety of more “serious” conditions.”
Conditions such as:
- Stomach cancer,
- Mast cell tumors,
- Kidney failure (chronic or acute),
- Liver disease,
- Hepatic disease,
- And gastrinomas.
Fortunately…
These “other causes” are much “less common than infections and prolonged medication use, but because these causes also disrupt the production of acid within the stomach, they are known to cause gastric ulcers in dogs.
Diagnosing Gastric Ulcers in Dogs
Now that you’ve seen the signs of a gastric ulcer, let the vet’s veterinarian diagnose properly. The vet may send the dog’s blood for testingdog’sook for things like anemia (low iron). This could indicate a gastric ulcer. Also, X-rays may be a part of the diagnostic process. Lastly, your dog may get an endoscopy and a biopsy of any foreign lesions.
Treatment Options
The next step is getting your dog to heal from a gastric ulcer. Since there is usually an underlying cause, it’s more about treatment than the ulcer. If antibiotics are the culprit, your vet will probably tell you to stop those immediately, or they may try to change your dog’s medications to minimize their symptoms.
If your dog’s stomach is bleeding sofusely, your vet may have to do something about it immediately. This could mean one of two things: surgery or infusing the stomach with ice water to get the bleeding to stop.
Which sounds…
It’s severe, and guess what, it is! This is why we advise any of our readers to have a professional check out their pet anytime they suspect anything might be wrong with them cause; remember, we here at IndulgeYourPet aren’t doctors, veterinarians, or medical professionals. We are all a bunch of folks passionate about animals and only want what’s best for them.
“what’s a vet checkout when in doubt!”
This is particularly important when “creating a gastric ulcer because an early diagnosis can reduce the pain and suffering your dog may have to endure and save you a TON of money when treating your dog’s condition!
Cost of diagnosis and treatment
The cost of diagnosing and treating a gastric ulcer in a dog will entirely depend on what medicine is necessary. This is because it’s impossible to see the stomach without diagnostic help. Diagnosis will involve some cost, but treatment may not be much if you have to stop antibiotics.
That said, however…
You should be mentally prepared to spend at least $300 and up to $1000 or more if the “cause” of your dog’s gastric ulcer(s)”is more complicdog’sthan just changing their medications, which is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. B Until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much “these”pet i”won’t”e policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there,” we” would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
