Pyloric stenosis in the dog
Pearson, H.
Veterinary Record 105(17): 393-394
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 552735 Document Number: 148549
Pyloric stenosis may be congenital or acquired. It may be caused by hypertrophy or pylorospasm, pylorospasm being thought more likely with the acquired type. Identical clinical signs may result from severe fibrosis of the pylorus. Other causes of impaired sphincter function are benign gastric ulceration and neoplasia. Clinical signs of the congenital condition develop soon after weaning. If signs appear at a later date the condition is certainly acquired. The predominant sign is vomiting of varying frequency, but not usually occurring within one hour of eating. Affected dogs are usually ravenously hungry immediately after vomiting. It is important to exclude oesophageal abnormalities when making a diagnosis. Regurgitation with these abnormalities occurs during or very soon after feeding. The only conclusive diagnostic test for pyloric stenosis is a satisfactory response to surgery, Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy being the simplest and safest procedure. Acquired pyloric stenosis should be approached with caution because of possible ulcerative or neoplastic change.