© Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital CANINE DISEASES
Stomach Outlet Obstruction
Any delay in emptying the stomach can lead to vomiting at regular
intervals after eating solid food. The causes range from foreign
objects which are too big to leave the stomach, thickening of
the muscles at the outlet (Pyloric Stenosis), and a number of
less common abscesses and tumors. Normally the stomach would empty solid food 8-10 hours after a
meal. Vomiting of mainly undigested food after this time is a
strong indicator of delayed emptying. Foreign objects can sometimes be seen on Xrays of the stomach.
Barium which is a liquid that shows up on Xarys can also be fed
to outline objects which may not otherwise be visible. Treatment is surgical Pyloric stenosis is mainly seen in dogs less than 6 months of
age. The circular Pyloric muscle at the base of the stomach thickens
causing a narrowing of the opening. The cause is unknown however
it is considered most likely to be a congenital problem present
from birth which gradually becomes worse with time. Diagnosis
is made by demonstrating delayed release of Barium from the stomach.
Treatment is surgical whereby the muscle is strategically cut
to increase the size of the opening. Related sites |