Chronic Hypertrophic Pyloric Gastropathy in Dogs
Chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy, also known as pyloric stenosis, refers to the narrowing of the pyloric canal in dogs due to an excessive growth of muscles in the region. This part of the stomach connects to the duodenum, the initial segment of the small intestine. While the precise cause of the condition remains unknown, it is believed to manifest either congenitally (present at birth) or later in life.
Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is frequently observed in breeds such as the boxer, Boston terrier, and bulldog. Conversely, acquired cases are more prevalent among breeds like the Lhasa apso, shih tzu, Pekingese, and poodle. Additionally, males exhibit a higher predisposition to this ailment compared to females.
Symptoms and Types
The intensity of symptoms is directly linked to the degree of narrowing in the pyloric canal. These symptoms encompass chronic, sporadic vomiting (typically occurring several hours post-meal), diminished appetite, and weight reduction. Vomiting episodes may involve undigested or partially digested food and are unresponsive to medication administration.
Causes
The precise cause of chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy remains elusive, yet it is thought to stem from either congenital origins or develop later in life. Factors that may contribute to the progression of the condition include:
- Tumors
- Persistent stress
- Chronic gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
Continual elevation in gastrin (a hormone that stimulates stomach acid secretion) levels.
Diagnosis
Your dog’s veterinarian will gather a comprehensive medical history from you and conduct a thorough physical examination, along with laboratory assessments on the animal. The outcomes of routine laboratory tests, such as a complete blood profile, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, may vary depending on the underlying cause. Dogs with severe ulceration, for instance, may exhibit signs of anemia. X-rays can potentially reveal an enlarged stomach due to pyloric canal stenosis. For more precise results, your veterinarian might recommend a gastrointestinal barium contrast study, where barium sulfate is orally administered to aid in highlighting the location and extent of the narrowing on X-rays.
Fluoroscopy, another diagnostic technique, captures real-time moving images of the dog’s internal structures using a fluoroscope. Additionally, your veterinarian may opt for endoscopy to conduct a thorough evaluation. This procedure involves inserting an endoscope, a rigid or flexible tube, into the stomach and duodenum to visually inspect the region and capture images. Abdominal ultrasonography can also assist in identifying pyloric canal narrowing.
Treatment
The course of treatment is contingent upon the severity of the condition. Following a diagnosis, your veterinarian will determine the appropriate treatment plan, which may involve surgery if deemed necessary. Surgical intervention is typically the primary approach to rectify the narrowing of the pyloric canal. Additionally, fluid therapy is administered to stabilize dehydrated animals suffering from chronic vomiting.
Living and Management
Your veterinarian will implement appropriate measures for proper nutrition, such as a highly digestible, low-fat diet, and activity restrictions, particularly following surgery. Should a recurrence of the condition manifest, more aggressive surgical intervention may be necessary.
The overall prognosis post-surgery is excellent, and most animals exhibit positive responses. However, in instances of neoplasia, the prognosis is unfavorable.