Gastritis diagnosis

Unless the dog was seen eating some irritative substance, acute gastritis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion based on history and physical examination findings. Abdominal radiographs and/or clinical pathologic data are indicated if the animal is severely ill or if other disease is suspected.
Once alimentary foreign body, obstruction, parvoviral enteritis, uremia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoadrenocorticorticism, hepatic disease, hypercalcemia and pancreatitis are considered unlikely, acute gastritis is a reasonable tentative diagnosis. If the vomiting resolves after 1 or 2 days of symptomatic and supportive therapy, the tentative diagnosis is considered correct, although pancreatitis must still be considered. Gastroscopy in such animals might reveal bile or gastric erosions/hyperemia.

Because acute gastritis is a diagnosis of exclusion and its signs are suggestive of various other disorders (e.g., foreign bodies, intoxication), good history taking and physical examination are mandatory. The owner should monitor the pet, and if the animal’s condition worsens or if it does not improve within 1 to 3 days, imaging, a complete blood count, a serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis are indicated.