Section: Overview
Gastric motility disorders are abnormalities that result from conditions that disrupt normal emptying of the stomach resulting in distention and subsequent abnormal function of the stomach.
There are many causes of gastric motility disorders, including:
Metabolic Disorders
Hypokalemia (low potassium)
Renal (kidney) failure
Nervous Inhibition
Stress
Fear
Pain
Trauma
Primary Stomach Diseases
Blockages
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
Ulcers
Previous gastric surgery
Miscellaneous
Gastroesophageal reflux (backward flow) of gastric/intestinal juice
Dysautonomia (dysfunction of a part of the nervous system)
Primary idiopathic (Unknown cause)
Drugs
Gastric motility disorders are seen in both dogs and cats. There are no sex, breed or age predilections, however it is uncommon to see primary disorders in younger animals.
What to Watch For
Chronic vomiting after eating
Gastric distention
Nausea
Anorexia (poor appetite)
Belching
Pica (eating inappropriate things)
Weight loss
Diagnosis
A thorough knowledge of history and clinical signs is very important and is most helpful in making the diagnosis. Diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of gastric motility disorders. They include:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Biochemical profile
Urinalysis
Fecal flotation
Abdominal radiographs (x-rays)
Abdominal ultrasound
A contrast (dye) upper gastrointestinal study
Endoscopy, specifically gastroscopy
Treatment
Treatment for gastric motility disorders is dependent upon the precise disease. In addition, symptomatic/supportive therapy may be indicated, regardless of the disease itself.
Most patients are treated as an outpatient
Hospitalization/supportive care in extreme/severe cases of disease
Dietary modification
Stomach acid blockers
Gastric coating agents
Prokinetic (promote movement) agents
Surgical intervention for certain disorders (blockages)
Home Care and Prevention
Administer prescribed medication and follow all feeding instructions. Contact your veterinarian if signs continue or worsen.
There is no specific preventative care available.
