Chronic Atrophic Gastritis (Chronic Inflammation of the Gastric Mucosa with Regression of the Mucosa) in Dogs
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Abdomen/pelvis
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
The most important facts at a glance
Chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs is a long-term inflammatory condition of the gastric mucosa, leading to its atrophy. This mucosa protects the stomach and produces important digestive substances. Etiologies for the inflammatory conditions can include infection, immune response, or certain medications. A common etiology is infection with Helicobacter bacteria. Parasites or autoimmune diseases, where 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 through a clinical examination, blood tests, imaging procedures such as ultrasound, and endoscopy, during which tissue samples are taken.
Therapy aims to reduce inflammatory conditions and alleviate symptoms. A dietary change to easily digestible food is recommended. Medications can reduce stomach acid production and protect the mucosa. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are used, while for autoimmune etiologies, immunosuppressants may be necessary. The prognosis depends on the etiology and severity, but with timely diagnosis and therapy, many dogs can have a good quality of life. Complete healing is not always possible, and lifelong therapy might 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 an extended period. The inflammatory conditions can be triggered by various factors, including infection, immune response, chronic irritation, or the use of certain medications. With persistent irritation or inflammatory conditions, the mucosa begins to recede, which is known as 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 trigger an inflammatory response. Parasitic infections, such as roundworms, can also play a role.
Autoimmune diseases, where the dog’s immune system attacks its own cells, can also be a cause. In such diseases, the gastric mucosa is recognized as foreign and attacked, leading to inflammatory conditions and atrophy.
Symptoms
The symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs can be varied and depend on the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include Vomiting, Weight loss, loss of appetite, and occasionally Diarrhea. However, these symptoms are non-specific and can also occur with other digestive tract diseases.
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 body posture to relieve the abdomen. In severe cases, there may be insufficient nutrient absorption, leading 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 is taken to identify possible triggers or risk factors. The veterinarian will then perform a physical examination to detect 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, where 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 inflammatory conditions and atrophy.
Therapy
The therapy for chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs aims to reduce inflammatory conditions, alleviate symptoms, and combat the underlying causes. Dietary changes can help relieve the stomach. Easily digestible foods 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 cases of an autoimmune etiology, the use of immunosuppressants may be required to suppress the immune response.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with chronic atrophic gastritis depends on the etiology and severity of the disease. With timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life and keep their symptoms under control.
In cases where the etiology of gastritis cannot be fully resolved, the disease may become chronic and require lifelong monitoring and therapy. However, early intervention significantly improves the prognosis.
Prevention
The prevention of chronic atrophic gastritis in dogs can be difficult, as the exact etiologies 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 stress factors, can also be helpful. In dogs with a known risk of bacterial infection, regular monitoring and, if necessary, early therapy of infections can reduce the risk of gastritis.
Outlook on current research
Research into chronic Vomiting in dogs is shifting from isolated organ findings to systemic explanations. The focus is on three axes: microbiome – bile acids – motility. Metagenomics and metabolomics are intended to clarify how dysbiosis and altered bile acid pools contribute to mucosal irritation, Nausea, and motility-related bilious Vomiting. In parallel, neurogastroenterology is advancing: sensory pathways, central Vomiting centers, and peripheral mediators (e.g., serotonin, ghrelin, motilin) are being investigated as therapeutic targets. Imaging is evolving into functional diagnosis: high-resolution ultrasound kinematics, gastric emptying tests, and – in individual cases – capsule endoscopy provide dynamic parameters instead of just morphology. Biomarker panels (inflammatory conditions, permeability, epithelial regeneration) are intended to make invasive biopsies less frequent and indicate therapy response early. In therapy, studies link precision medical diets (hydrolyzed, fat-reduced, adapted fiber/bile acid binders) with individually titrated prokinetics and antiemetics; probiotic consortia are chosen rationally rather than “shotgun.” Digital symptom diaries and AI-supported pattern recognition could reliably distinguish between Vomiting, Regurgitation, and Cough and identify flare triggers. Finally, One Health perspectives are gaining importance: environmental factors, feed supply chains, and mycotoxin-associated inflammatory conditions are addressed interdisciplinarily. The goal is an algorithm that predicts etiology, severity, and optimal intervention early and gently.