Gastric
Relating to the stomach. In veterinary medicine, gastric conditions include gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), gastric ulcers, gastric neoplasia, and gastric motility disorders.
“Gastric” refers to anything relating to the stomach (from Greek gaster, “stomach”). In veterinary medicine, gastric conditions and procedures are among the most clinically significant areas of small animal practice.
Gastric Anatomy
The canine stomach is a muscular, J-shaped organ that receives food from the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter (cardia) and empties into the duodenum through the pylorus. The stomach lining produces hydrochloric acid for protein digestion, pepsin for enzymatic breakdown, mucus for mucosal protection, and intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption.
Key Gastric Conditions in Dogs
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat)
GDV is one of the most life-threatening emergencies in veterinary medicine. The stomach fills with gas (dilatation) and rotates on its axis (volvulus), cutting off blood supply and trapping gas. Without emergency surgery, GDV is fatal. Prophylactic gastropexy — surgically tacking the stomach to the body wall — prevents the volvulus component in high-risk breeds.
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers result from disruption of the mucosal barrier that protects the stomach lining from its own acid. Causes include NSAID use, severe illness, hepatic or renal disease, mast cell tumors (which can produce excess histamine stimulating acid secretion), and stress.
Gastric Motility Disorders
Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) can cause chronic vomiting, nausea, and weight loss. Causes include dysautonomia, post-surgical changes, hypothyroidism, and electrolyte imbalances.
Gastric Neoplasia
Gastric tumors in dogs are uncommon but carry a poor prognosis. Adenocarcinoma is the most frequent gastric malignancy. Leiomyoma (benign) and leiomyosarcoma (malignant) arise from the smooth muscle layer.
Common Gastric Terminology
- Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining (acute or chronic)
- Gastropexy: surgical fixation of the stomach to the body wall
- Gastrotomy: surgical incision into the stomach (for foreign body removal, biopsy)
- Gastroenteritis: inflammation of the stomach and intestines
- Gastric lavage: stomach washing, sometimes used in toxin ingestion cases