| Canine ulcers can appear anywhere in the mouth, | | | | the inside of your dog's esophagus, stomach and first |
| esophagus, stomach and intestines. Ulcers in dogs are | | | | few inches of the small intestine. Colonoscopy can |
| caused by a myriad of things like infections, | | | | view the large bowel. |
| medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, | | | | If your dog is diagnosed with ulcers, treatment |
| chemotherapy drugs, steroids), ingestion of foreign | | | | includes identifying and correcting the underlying |
| or caustic substances, toxins, metabolic abnormalities | | | | cause. If the cause cannot be identified, treatment |
| (kidney disease), endocrine abnormalities (Addison's | | | | will center on the ulcer itself. A special diet (easily |
| disease), cancers, hypersensitivity reactions or stress. | | | | digestable) fed in small frequent amounts may be |
| Because ulcers are painful to your dog, any | | | | recommended to assist the healing process. There |
| symptoms should be brought to the attention of | | | | are special veterinary diets to treat a wide variety of |
| your veterinarian. | | | | conditions, including canine ulcers. A quality veterinary |
| Symptoms of Dog Ulcers | | | | diet dog food like Prescription Diet i/d. Medications for |
| Symptoms of canine ulcers include vomiting (often | | | | dog ulcers include acid blocking agents, such as |
| with blood), abdominal pain, lack of appetite, | | | | H2-receptor antagonists, and medicines that coat the |
| weakness, and black, tarry stools. Severe cases can | | | | stomach. Antibiotics and pain medications may also be |
| cause collapse, pale gums, shock and perforation of | | | | prescribed and for those with severe ulcers in the |
| the esophagus, stomach or intestines. | | | | mouth, feeding tubes may be necessary to provide |
| Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Ulcers | | | | nutrition while the ulcers heal. For those whose ulcers |
| Your veterinarian can diagnose canine ulcers by | | | | have bore all the way through the lining will require |
| administering several tests, including blood tests, | | | | surgery. Always consult your veterinarian for the |
| urinalysis, X-Rays, ultrasounds and a gastroduodenal | | | | best treatment plan for your dog. |
| endoscopy, which allows your veterinarian to view | | | | |