| GASTRIC, STOMACH, GASTRODUODENAL, DUODENAL, COLONIC, ULCERS, PERFORATION | |
| Description | Gastric Ulcers have many causes and are more common in adults. Most ulcers are erosions but perforation can occur and might lead to free air in the peritoneal cavity on radiography. Severe blood-loss anemia can cause syncope and heart murmurs. Gastroduodenal Ulceration has been associated with drugs, neoplasia, inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, and systemic diseases. |
| Species | Canine, Feline |
| Signs | Abdominal distention, Anorexia, Ascites, Cold skin, Colic, Decreased amount of stools, absent feces, constipation, Dehydration, Diarrhea, Dullness, Fever, Generalized weakness, Heart murmur, Hematemesis, Hypothermia, Increased respiratory rate, Internal abdominal mass, Melena or occult blood in feces, stools, Pain on external abdominal pressure, Pale, Polydipsia, Polyuria, Prolonged capillary refill time, Seizures or syncope, Sudden death, Tachycardia, Underweight, Vomiting or regurgitation, Weak pulse, Weight loss |
| References | Bach A. Ultrasonographic features of gastrointestinal ulcerations in cats. Vet Rec 2025 [https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.5222] Hillier TN. Dogs receiving cyclooxygenase-2–sparing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or nonphysiologic steroids are at risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2024 [https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.06.0430] Tolbert K. Rational use of gastroprotectants in cats: An evidence-based approach. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2024 [https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X241274235] Sabetti MC. Endoscopic and surgical treatment of non-neoplastic proximal duodenal ulceration in dogs, and anatomical study of proximal duodenal vascularisation. J Small Anim Pract 2023 [https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13680] |