Mary Allen
Fortunately, having to put down a dog with gastritis rarely happens.
In most cases, such an inflammation of the gastric mucosa is easily treatable and not fatal.
But when gastritis is so bad for the dog that euthanasia is the most humane option, this article explains to you.
Can it really happen that a dog with gastritis has to be put down?
In rare cases, gastritis can become so bad that life is just torture for the dog.
This can be the case if it has become chronic, i.e. occurs again and again.
Some chronic inflammations only occur every few years, but multiple illnesses per year are also possible, each time associated with pain.
Even a dog that has already had a stomach ulcer is in mortal danger and may not be able to be saved.
Euthanasia should always be the last option, but sometimes life is such an ordeal for the dog that there is no other option.
Can a dog die from gastritis?
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa itself is not fatal, but the consequences or causes can be life-threatening for your dog.
Even mild gastritis often causes vomiting and diarrhea.
This causes the dog’s water balance to fluctuate. If the vomiting is very severe, however, it may happen that he cannot drink enough to absorb enough water again.
The result is increasing dehydration, which further weakens him and his immune system.
In the worst case, gastritis can also lead to stomach ulcers.
If these burst at some point and break through the stomach wall, the stomach contents and acid get into the abdominal cavity and cause major, life-threatening inflammation and internal bleeding there.
Then the dog has to go to emergency surgery immediately, otherwise it will die within a few hours as a result.
Therefore, chronic gastritis is very problematic in the long term and requires good treatment and close attention.
Dogs with a previous illness, especially of the kidneys, old dogs, or puppies often have greater difficulties with gastritis and are therefore more often affected by severe courses and unfortunate outcomes.
What is the life expectancy with gastritis?
If gastritis is normal, your dog’s lifespan is not affected.
However, a peptic ulcer can be fatal if it causes the stomach wall to rupture.
In addition, chronic gastritis has a lasting effect on the quality of life of your dog.
As a result, damage to organs or cells can remain, which can have long-term problems.
However, this is strongly related to the disease itself and your dog, so there can be no general statement about a shortened lifespan due to gastritis.
What are the treatment options for severe gastritis?
Severe gastritis must always be treated by a veterinarian. He will prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Sometimes a gastric protective agent, such as a proton pump inhibitor, is also necessary to reduce the production of stomach acid. This will help the inflammation subside.
Owners should go on a bland diet for a few days. In the case of a chronic illness, a change of diet is also conceivable. Be sure to discuss this with your vet beforehand.
Infusions with table salt help the four-legged friend to keep his water balance despite vomiting or problems with food and water intake.
It is also important that the cause of the gastritis is found and combated. It is often a worm infestation or bacteria that trigger the inflammation.
The veterinarian therefore regularly prescribes wormers or antibiotics or other special medications in addition to the anti-inflammatory agents.
How long does gastritis in dogs last?
Acute gastritis usually lasts only a few days. It depends on when the treatment starts and on the dog’s state of health.
Young and old dogs suffer from gastritis for longer, as do dogs that are already ill.
However, minor illnesses that are quickly discovered and treated accordingly can sometimes be over after just one day.
Chronic gastritis or severe acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa, on the other hand, can last for several weeks.
In addition, in the case of chronic gastritis, the intervals between two illnesses are irregular, which means that there can be several illnesses per year.