Gastritis

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The most common cause of gastritis is ingestion of something that should not be eaten (e.g.: spoiled food, trash). Other causes include: foreign body ingestion, parasites, medication intolerance (e.g.: antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, cardiac medications), toxins (e.g.: chocolate, plants, household chemicals), and organ inflammation (e.g.: kidney failure, hepatitis, pancreatitis). Diagnosis of gastritis is based on history, physical examination findings, lab work results, and radiographic findings. Your veterinarian may give your pet an injection to help stop the vomiting as well as administer fluids under the skin to help restore hydration. Pets with gastritis need to rest their stomachs to allow healing. Food and water should be withheld until the vomiting stops for 12-24 hours. If water is held down, then slow introduction of a bland diet can begin. A bland diet should be continued for 3-5 days with gradual reintroduction of the regular diet. Treatment of gastritis must also include treating the underlying cause if known (e.g.: deworming medication if parasites are involved; surgical removal of foreign bodies if causing obstruction).