Acute bleeding gastric ulcer in a Dachshund-stress induced ulcer in a dog?

Acute bleeding gastric ulcer in a Dachshund - stress induced ulcer in a dog? Case report A 10 year old, male Dachshund was presented at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, with a history of hematemesis, loss of appetite, and melaena. The clinical symptoms started one week prior to presentation when the dog was on a boat trip with the owner in The Netherlands. Diagnostic procedures The clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes with a moderate pulse quality of 154 bpm. Hematology indicated a hematokrit of 10.2 % (n.r.: 37.00-55.00), MCV 81 fl (n.r.: 60-77), MCH 24.6 pg (n.r.: 19-24.5), MCHC 30.4 g/dI (n.r.: 31-34), leucocytes 38,700/mu l (n.r.: 6,000 - 15,000) with an elevated number of segmented granulocytes and lymphocytes. Total protein was 3.82 g/dI (n.r.: 6.00-7.50). Activated thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and thrombin clotting time, as well as liver and renal enzyme activity, were within normal limits. Gastritis with focal gastric ulcerations was diagnosed ultrasonographically. Additional findings included a 2.4 cm round mass located on the tail of the spleen. Surgical intervention After blood transfusions a median celiotomy was performed. Exploration of the abdominal cavity confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. Gastrectomy with resection of the gastric ulcers on the ventral part at the greater curvature of the stomach wall was performed. A partial splenectomy followed the gastrectomy. Pathohistology confirmed the diagnosis of gastric ulcers and the splenic mass was shown to be a benign hemangioendothelioma. A proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) therapy was continued for 8 weeks and no recurrence of the clinical signs was detected. Conclusion Immediate diagnostic and surgical intervention for the acute anemia and post-operative intensive care were responsible for the succesful recovery of the patient.