Acute gastritis in dogs

Dogs are more commonly affected by acute gastritis because of their less discriminating eating habits. Signs usually consist of acute onset of vomiting; food and bile are typically vomited, although small amounts of blood may be present. Affected animals are typically uninterested in food and may or may not feel sick. Fever and abdominal pain are uncommon.

Acute gastritis therapy in dogs principally consists of parental fluid therapy; withholding food and water for 24 hours often suffices to control vomiting. If the vomiting persists or is excessive, or if the animal becomes depressed because of the vomiting, central-acting antiemetics (e.g., prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, ondansetron) may be administered parenterally.

When feeding begins, small amounts of cool water are offered frequently. If the animal drinks without vomiting, small amounts of a bland diet are offered. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are rarely indicated.

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