Chronic Atrophic Gastritis (Chronic Inflammation of the Gastric Mucosa with Regression of the Mucosa) in Dogs

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
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Chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs is a long-term inflammation of the gastric mucosa that leads to regression and thinning of the mucosa. This condition impairs the stomach’s ability to properly digest food and can lead to various health problems.

The most important facts at a glance

Chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs is a long-term inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which leads to its regression. This mucosa protects the stomach and produces important digestive substances. Causes of the inflammation can be infections, autoimmune reactions, or certain medications. A common cause is infection with Helicobacter bacteria. Parasites or autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks its own cells, can also play a role. Symptoms include Vomiting, Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and Weight loss. The diagnosis is made by a clinical examination, blood tests, imaging procedures such as ultrasound, and an endoscopy, in which tissue samples are taken.

The treatment aims to reduce inflammatory conditions and alleviate symptoms. A dietary change to easily digestible food is recommended. Medications can reduce gastric acid production and protect the gastric mucosa. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, while immunosuppressants may be necessary for autoimmune causes. The prognosis depends on the cause and severity, but with timely diagnosis and treatment, many dogs can have a good quality of life. A complete cure is not always possible, and lifelong treatment may be required.

Preventive measures are difficult, but a balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups can help reduce the risk. Avoiding known triggers and monitoring risk factors, such as bacterial infections, are also important to minimize the occurrence of the disease.

Causes

The stomach of dogs is lined with a mucous membrane that forms a protective layer and is responsible for the production of gastric acid and digestive enzymes. This mucosa consists of cells that are kept intact by constant cell renewal and a protective layer of mucus.

Chronic atrophic gastritis develops when this mucosa is inflamed for a prolonged period of time. The inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including infections, autoimmune reactions, chronic irritation, or the use of certain medications. With persistent irritation or inflammation, the mucosa begins to regress, which is called atrophy.

One of the most common causes of chronic gastritis in dogs is a bacterial infection with Helicobacter spp. These bacteria can colonize the gastric mucosa and cause an inflammatory reaction. Parasitic infections, such as with roundworms, can also play a role.

Autoimmune diseases, in which the dog’s immune system attacks its own cells, can also be a cause. In such diseases, the gastric mucosa is recognized and attacked as foreign, leading to inflammation and atrophy.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs can be diverse and vary depending on the severity of the disease. The most common symptoms include Vomiting, Weight loss, loss of appetite, and occasionally Diarrhea. However, these symptoms are non-specific and can also occur with other diseases of the digestive tract.

A dog with chronic atrophic gastritis may also occasionally show signs of Abdominal pain, such as Restlessness, frequent lying down and getting up, or a changed posture to relieve the abdomen. In severe cases, there may be a lack of nutrient absorption, which can lead to anemia or other deficiency symptoms.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs requires a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian. First, the dog’s medical history will be taken to identify possible triggers or risk factors. The veterinarian will then perform a physical examination to determine signs of abdominal pain or other abnormalities.

Further diagnostic tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. A blood test can be performed to detect signs of inflammatory conditions or anemia. An X-ray or ultrasound can help identify structural changes in the stomach.

A definitive diagnosis can be made by endoscopy, in which a camera is inserted into the stomach to directly view the mucosa and take tissue samples for a biopsy. This biopsy can provide information about the extent of the inflammation and atrophy.

Therapy

The treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs aims to reduce the inflammation, alleviate the symptoms, and combat the underlying causes. A dietary change can help relieve the stomach. Easily digestible feeds that are low in fat and fiber are recommended.

Medications can be used to reduce gastric acid production and protect the gastric mucosa. H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors are commonly used medications to reduce gastric acid production.

If a bacterial infection such as Helicobacter spp. is present, targeted antibiotic therapy may be necessary. In the case of an autoimmune cause, the use of immunosuppressants may be necessary to suppress the immune response.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with chronic atrophic gastritis depends on the cause and severity of the disease. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life and keep their symptoms under control.

In cases where the cause of gastritis cannot be completely resolved, the condition may become chronic and require lifelong monitoring and treatment. However, early intervention significantly improves the prognosis.

Prevention

The prevention of chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs can be difficult because the exact causes are diverse. However, a balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups can help reduce the risk of chronic gastritis.

Avoiding known triggers, such as certain medications or stressors, can also be helpful. In dogs with a known risk of bacterial infections, regular monitoring and, if necessary, early treatment of infections can reduce the risk of gastritis.

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