Stomach Disorder (Loss of Motility) in Dogs

Gastric motility is the typical stomach movements which help the digestion process, while allowing the broken down foods to move into the small intestine. Stomach disorder (loss of motility) in dogs is a result of the stomach not emptying properly into the intestines, thus causing fluid and food retention, lack of appetite, upset stomach, and a distended stomach. In normal motility function of the stomach, food should be emptied after six to eight hours after an average-sized meal. This is an approximate time span as every dog is different and it does depend on the type of food ingested. This disorder is more common in younger dogs than in aging canines and can occur in many different dog breeds. There are many symptoms that can occur with this illness, and some are much more common than others. Since there are so many different symptoms, the veterinarian will need to do several different tests to rule out any other disorders, or secondary disorders causing the loss of motility in the stomach.

Stomach disorder (loss of motility) in dogs is a condition in which a dog’s ability to move food particles through the stomach and into the intestines is hindered.

When dogs suffer from a stomach disorder (loss of motility), they exhibit certain stomach ailments. Symptoms of this disorder include:

• Loss of appetite
• Swollen stomach or abdomen area
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Pain due to stomach blockage
• Belching
• Loss of weight

Types

There are differential diagnoses to stomach disorders due to loss of motility in dogs. They include:

• Foreign body in gastrointestinal tract
• Renal dysfunction
• Chronic gastritis

When a dog suffers from stomach motility disorder, and the disorder is primary (not due to other conditions), the cause is idiopathic, or of unknown origin. Secondary causes of this condition include:

• Abnormal activity of stomach muscles
• Stress or trauma
• Low blood potassium levels
• Too much urea in the blood
• Too much nitrogenous waste in the blood
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Hypothyroidism
• Anticholinergic medications
• Beta blockers
• Narcotics
• Gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Stomach surgery
• Parvovirus infection
• Bloat
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Enterogastric reflux
• Autonomic nervous system disorders

If your dog is having any of the above symptoms, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. The doctor will perform complete blood testing, urinalysis, an electrolyte profile to check for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, imaging techniques of the abdomen, a barium test to take a closer look at the stomach’s movements, an ultrasound, and an endoscopy to look at abdominal organs. An endoscopy also allows the medical professional to look for any tumors, masses, blockages, or abnormal cells of the stomach, and can also be used to collect a sample for a biopsy. Internal tests such as the above methods give the veterinarian a much better insight as to how the food is being processed and moved through the body. The imaging allows the medical professional to get a closer look at what can be causing the symptoms.

Treatment depends on the severity of the case. Many dogs that suffer from stomach motility issues are put on outpatient care with specific medications and instructions by the veterinarian. For more severe cases, treatment can include the following:

Medications

Gastric prokinetic agents will be given to the dog to help with motility disorders. They stimulate the stomach’s movement into the intestines and promote a smooth transition for emptying of contents.

Therapy

Fluid replacement is required to have your dog feeling better; this will help with any dehydration. Electrolytes are also given to the dog, as electrolytes are vital for normally functioning body systems. 

Hospitalization

In severe cases of loss of stomach motility in dogs, hospitalization is necessary. This is to keep an observation on the dog while he is getting fluids and electrolytes. Also, if there is a blockage, surgery may be required to treat the blockage, and for this, the dog will need to be in the hospital.

Dietary restrictions will need to be watched and adhered to for the dog to digest his food much better. Diets given for this disorder have a lot of moisture and are low in fiber and fat. Small portions are highly recommended for dogs with this disorder as well. Once the dog has received treatment via medications and fluids, and once the diet has begun, he should show remarkable improvement. If you see any signs of him not improving, it is important to take him back to the doctor for a follow-up visit to further investigate his condition.