Abstract
Gastritis and gastric ulcers are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in canine athletes. Although the majority of scientific work on this condition has been performed in ultraendurance racing sled dogs, this condition has been identified in other canine athletes, including sled dogs competing in shorter events and dogs performing off-leash explosive detection duties. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, but current hypotheses propose a link between exercise-induced hyperthermia and loss of gastric mucosal barrier function as an early event in the pathogenesis. Treatment is focused on prevention of clinical disease using acid secretion inhibitors, such as omeprazole, which has excellent efficacy in controlled clinical studies.
Highlights
Gastritis and gastric ulcers can be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in canine athletes, most notably racing sled dogs and other athletic dog populations
The importance of exercise-induced gastric disease (EIGD) in dogs is highlighted by both the frequency with which this syndrome is directly or indirectly related to mortality, and the more insidious effect on performance and overall thriftiness
Strenuous exercise requires the consumption of considerable amounts of food and water – ultraendurance racing sled dogs will burn from 8000 to 12000 kcal/day [2, 3] and turnover 5 l of bodywater/day [4]
Summary
Reviewed by: Bess Janine Pierce, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, USA Brian Michael Zanghi, Nestle Purina PetCare, USA. Specialty section: This article was submitted to Veterinary Humanities and Social. Gastritis and Gastric Ulcers in Working Dogs. Gastritis and gastric ulcers are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in canine athletes. The majority of scientific work on this condition has been performed in ultraendurance racing sled dogs, this condition has been identified in other canine athletes, including sled dogs competing in shorter events and dogs performing offleash explosive detection duties. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, but current hypotheses propose a link between exercise-induced hyperthermia and loss of gastric mucosal barrier function as an early event in the pathogenesis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
