Your dog’s stomach feels like it’s on fire and hurts to touch. The causes of stomach ulcers in dogs are many, but the treatments can be effective, especially if you catch the problem early.
Here’s what you need to know about stomach ulcer in Rottweiler, how they happen, and how to treat them so that your dog will be back to normal in no time.
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What is a stomach ulcer in Dogs?
Also called gastric ulcers or peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are simply open sores on your dog’s stomach. These sores can be either superficial (meaning they don’t go all of the ways through to his gut) or deep (penetrating into his body).
Ulcers can occur in any breed of dog but they most commonly show up in dogs that are middle-aged or older and have a history of eating dry food.
The reasons why these painful conditions form vary by cause. This is a common condition that many pet owners worry about when it comes to their furry friends but there are some natural ways to help relieve it along with methods you can try at home before taking your pup in for treatment.
Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcer In Rottweiler
The symptoms of stomach ulcers in rottweilers vary based on the dog’s age and whether or not it has eaten anything that might cause an ulcer to flare up.
While your Rottie is pregnant or nursing, she may be more susceptible to stress-related symptoms like gastroenteritis and colitis. Colitis is often caused by a bacterial infection and can have similar symptoms to food poisoning.
Typical symptoms include a fever that lasts for several days accompanied by diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, and vomiting. If your pup is suffering from colitis or another form of gastroenteritis, your vet will likely suggest a course of antibiotics as well as dietary changes such as adding white rice to her meals along with additional water while she’s ill.
- Heartburn or difficulty swallowing
- Sudden weight loss
- Loss of appetite and/or vomiting
- Gagging or retching in an attempt to vomit
- Excessive salivation (drooling) and drooping head are also symptoms.
- Dehydration is common, so watch for lethargy, excessive panting, and dry nose and mouth.
- Pale gums
If your dog has a stomach ulcer, he may exhibit one or more of these symptoms. If you notice any signs that could be indicative of a stomach ulcer in your Rottweiler, consult with your veterinarian immediately as treatment should begin as soon as possible.
Causes Of Stomach Ulcer In Rottweiler
The exact cause of stomach ulcers in rottweilers is unknown. However, factors that may contribute to its development include excessive stress and emotional factors such as excitement at mealtime and being in a new environment.
The age of an animal also appears to play a role; stomach ulcers are found more commonly in middle-aged dogs than in younger animals. Some diseases, such as kidney disease or liver disease, can lead to stomach ulcers by disrupting blood flow through these organs or impairing their function.
Medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids used for conditions like arthritis can cause bleeding and ulceration of your dog’s stomach when taken long term.
Prevention
When stomach ulcers in dogs are caused by human influence, prevention is very straightforward.
The best way to prevent your rottweiler from developing a stomach ulcer is to change its diet to one which lacks chemicals and additives that may irritate or even inflame its stomach lining.
Be aware of any condition which might lead to loss of appetite in your dog. If you notice it not eating for an extended period of time, consult with a veterinarian immediately as loss of appetite can be a precursor of more serious conditions.
Always consult with a vet before changing your rottweiler’s diet drastically as different breeds have different nutritional requirements. Also, ensure your pet has access to clean water at all times.
Treatment Of Stomach Ulcer In Rottweiler
There are a variety of medical treatments available for stomach ulcers in dogs. Most of these are aimed at reducing pain and preventing complications from bleeding and infection.
Dogs with ulcers will need to be fed a bland diet until their ulcers have healed. Avoiding spicy foods is recommended as well, because they may irritate an open wound in your dog’s digestive tract.
Acid blockers can help heal your dog’s ulcer by inhibiting acid production in his stomach and intestines so he can eat a more normal diet.
However, if your dog’s case is particularly severe or persistent, surgery may be necessary to repair damage caused by his ulcer or remove it entirely.
Consult Your Veterinary
If your veterinarian suspects that your Rottweiler has a stomach ulcer, then he or she will order an endoscopy to confirm.
The gastroenterologist will insert a small camera down into your dog’s esophagus and stomach in order to take pictures of his digestive tract for further evaluation.
The doctor may need to take biopsies in order to make a definitive diagnosis. Some ulcers are caused by infection or trauma, so knowing what caused yours is important for successful treatment.
If your dog requires surgery (such as an endoscopic gastrostomy) then it is critical that you seek out board-certified veterinary specialists who are experienced with treating stomach ulcers in dogs. Your vet can provide you with a list of local specialists if needed.
