Bilious vomiting syndrome in dogs is vomiting in response to bile-induced inflammation of the stomach. It is also known as reflux gastritis syndrome and duodenal-gastric reflux. Bile salts interfere with the gastric mucosal barrier, allowing acid to irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis. Dogs with this condition usually vomit in the morning after not eating all night.
Bile serves important functions in the digestion of food and removal of waste materials from the body. Bile is created in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until food has been ingested. It is then released into the small intestine to aid in digestion of food and to emulsify the food so that it can be used appropriately by the body.
Bilious vomiting syndrome occurs when bile abnormally enters the stomach from the intestine, causing irritation and vomiting. The presence of bile is indicated by a watery, yellow-green substance in the vomit contents. If vomiting does not occur and the bile remains in the stomach, the irritation to the stomach can lead to gastric reflux.
The vomiting generally occurs in the morning or late night, just before eating, specially in dogs that are fed once a day. The condition commonly occurs in older dogs but can be seen in dogs of any age.
Symptoms of bilious vomiting are
Chronic intermittent vomiting containing bile
Usually takes place in the morning or late night
Abdominal discomfort
Nausea
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
