Stomach Ulcers in Dogs: Symptoms and Recommended Treatment

Also called gastric, duodenal, or gastroduodenal ulcers, these are lesions in the digestive system's mucosa that put our dog's life at risk and can be caused by diseases or medications.

Below, we'll look at what they're like, what causes them, what tests are needed to diagnose them, and how they're treated. Unexplained vomiting that may contain blood is a warning sign and reason to seek veterinary care.

What Is a Stomach Ulcer?

An ulcer is simply a wound that, in this case, occurs in the mucosa lining the stomach or duodenum. Different causes explain these lesions, which can be more or less deep. This determines their severity and how dangerous they are for our dog's health.

How Does a Stomach Ulcer Occur in Dogs?

The most common cause of ulcers in dogs is the use of corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This can be from prolonged use of these medications, or a one-off dose given by accident or through improper self-medication. This is what can happen when we give a dog aspirin or ibuprofen without veterinary guidance.

These types of products list stomach ulceration among their side effects, and dogs seem to be especially prone to it. In addition, liver or kidney problems, intense stress, or chronic gastritis can also be linked to ulcers developing.

Finally, mast cell tumors, which involve cells of the immune system, are able to produce histamine, a substance that boosts acid secretion, which contributes to ulcer formation.

Symptoms of a Stomach Ulcer

The main sign of gastroduodenal ulcers is vomiting that may contain blood, although often this is microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. Some ulcer symptoms are nonspecific, which complicates and delays diagnosis.

These stand out:

• Vomiting blood, which may be digested (looking like coffee grounds) or fresh with clots.
• Sporadic vomiting.
• Chronic vomiting.
• Weight loss.
• Anemia.
• Tarry stool due to the presence of blood.
• Hemorrhage, which if rapid, can send the dog into shock and result in death.

How Is an Ulcer Diagnosed?

Through a test known as endoscopy or gastroscopy, which allows direct visualization. Specifically, the more superficial ulcers show up as areas where the digestive tract's mucosa is inflamed, with lesions and pus. Deeper ones show a perforation.

Ulcer size varies, ranging from one to several centimeters in diameter. There can be single or multiple ulcers, and they're more commonly found in the stomach than in the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine.

Why Are Stomach Ulcers Dangerous?

A clinical picture that includes bleeding should always be handled quickly by a vet, since it's a situation putting the animal's life at risk. In addition, a perforated ulcer can reach the abdomen, causing peritonitis, which can also be fatal.

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane covering part of the abdominal cavity where the abdominal organs are located. This is an emergency. The dog can die quickly, within just a few hours.

Treatment for Stomach Ulcers in Dogs

In dogs with confirmed active gastrointestinal bleeding, treatment involves hospitalization, since they need observation and intensive care. Blood transfusions may be needed. If the dog is being given medications that have an ulcer-causing effect, they need to be stopped.

Depending on the clinical picture our dog shows, the vet will prescribe medication suited to controlling the ulcers and protecting the stomach. These are long treatments we need to follow at home, according to the professional's instructions.

If a perforated ulcer is found during the vet exam, treatment involves surgery. Ulcers are curable, but in some dogs they can become complicated enough to be fatal. We should manage the factors that predispose to ulcer formation as a preventive measure.

Attention for Dogs With Arthritis

Dogs with chronic joint pain usually receive daily NSAID treatment to manage pain, since no cure is possible. These tend to be older dogs. Even when prescribed along with stomach protectants, they can develop ulcers that are difficult to resolve.

Managing pain is essential to keep these animals' quality of life as good as possible, which is why treatment is essential. Either way, we should use the lowest doses we can and turn to other options without ulcer-causing effects, such as electroacupuncture or rehabilitation techniques.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin (2002): Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid: Editorial el Drac. Chen N, Wang J, Mucelli A, Zhang X, Wang C. Electro-Acupuncture is Beneficial for Knee Osteoarthritis: The Evidence from Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Chin Med. 2017; 45(5): 965-985. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X17500513. Epub 2017 Jun 28.