Gastrointestinal ulcerations are inflammatory lesions that extend into the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract, going beyond the mucosa (lining).
Gastroduodenal ulcer disease refers to ulcers found in the dog's stomach and/or the first section of the small intestine, also known as the duodenum.
Gastroduodenal ulcers occur when mucosal lining of stomach and/or intestinal lumen (part of intestine which comes in direct contact with food and absorbs nutrients) are exposed due to various factors.
There are a number of symptoms associated with gastrpdupdenal ulcers, some of which may remain undetected until the condition becomes severe.
Common symptoms include
Anemia
Weakness
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Rapid heart rate
Vomiting (most often seen)
Blood in vomiting (hematemesis)
Black tarry stool due to presence of digested blood (melena)
Abdominal pain (animal may stand in praying position)
