Gastritis and Gastric Ulceration in Dogs and Cats

Breakdown of the gastric mucosal barrier is a primary source or consequence of nearly all causes of gastritis and gastric ulceration. Gastric foreign bodies and dietary indiscretion are common causes of acute gastritis in dogs and cats. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is considered to be a predisposing factor for gastric ulceration, but this is a relatively uncommon complication of IBD. Helicobacter pylori is an important cause of gastritis and ulceration in humans but not in companion animals, and the role of other Helicobacter species as gastric pathogens in dogs and cats is less well defined. Multiple Helicobacter spp. (H. heilmannii, H. pylori, H. felis, H. bizzozeronii) have been isolated in dogs and cats with varying degrees of gastritis. The best therapy for animals with gastritis or gastric ulceration is removal of the offending agent, if possible, and amelioration of mucosal injury.