A variety of agents can lead to damage of the stomach lining.

Most of the anti-inflammatory drugs including corticosteroids, aspirin and the non-steroidal ant-iinflamatories can cause ulceration. Corticosteroids can be particularly damaging when used to treat spinal cord injuries and lesions. Changes in nerve supply may reduce the blood flow to the stomach and increase acid secretion increasing the potential for damage by the corticosteroids.

Stress as with humans is a common underlying cause of gastric ulcers. This can be either emotional or physical stress in the form of shock, trauma or severe illness. The mechanism for the damage is though to be a combination of reduced production of cells in the stomach lining, reduced blood supply to the stomach and local release of corticosteroids. Reflux of bile acids and pancreatic enzymes further adds to the damage.

Chronic liver disease damages the stomach by reducing the protective gastric mucus production, increasing acid secretion and reducing blood flow to the stomach.

Kidney failure causes the release of toxins which directly attack the stomach lining and increase the gastric acid secretions.

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addisons disease) occasionally has been associated with gastric ulcers possibly from reduced gastric blood flow.

Lead poisoning can also result in gastric ulceration.

Diagnosing Gastric ulcers can be difficult as both plain and contrast Xrays may be inconclusive. Visualizing the inside of the stomach using an optical fibre endoscope is the best method of confirming a diagnosis. There may be evidence of anaemia with some bleeding ulcers.

Treatment is based on removing any predisposing causes and treating underlying diseases in combination with direct therapy for the ulceration. Specific treatments include drugs which neutralize or reduce stomach acid production and drugs which protect the damaged lining. Antacids have limited use in veterinary treatment due to their difficulty of administration and side effects complications. They include Aluminum, Calcium, Magnesium, and bicarbonate compounds. H2 receptor antagonists reduce the production of gastric acid by blocking the trigger for its release. These drugs include Cimetidine, Ranitidine and Farmotidine. Sucralfate is a protective agent which binds to the ulcer providing a barrier which helps the ulcer to heal. This is usually used in combination with H2 receptor drugs however because the sucralfate reduces absorption from the stomach the drugs must be given at different times of the day.