Aerophagia

The medical term for Gulpies is Aerophagia and is a build-up of gas or acid in the stomach. It can occur in any breed of dog although old English Sheepdogs and Wheaten Terriers seem to be more commonly affected.

Episodes often happen in the evening and can last from minutes to hours. Attacks are characterised by uncontrolled licking of lips, gurgling stomach, gulping air, retching and very commonly a need to ingest leaves, grass, and other vegetation in a frenzied manner. Attacks can be continuous or intermittent in nature. Bouts of spasmodic uncontrollable gulps can be very distressing for the dog and owner, and it can take a long time for the dog to settle.

It is unknown why some dogs suffer from Gulpies, and we do not know what triggers the attacks. It is assumed that a food allergy is partly involved but it is quite possible a multifactorial disease. Other possible causes are acid reflux , bloating, anxiety, stress, or other excitement.

Diagnosis is mainly done by eliminating causes. Blood tests can rule out liver or pancreatic disorders. Abdominal ultrasound can rule out causes of delayed gastric emptying such as a stomach tumour or pancreatic tumour. It can also identify a diaphragmatic hernia. Endoscopy can look for oesophagitis and gastritus. Once all these possible causes are ruled out then various medications can be tried.

Antacids such as Cimetidine and Omeprazole are often prescribed to help with acid reflux. Many dogs improve with the use of a slow feeder to reduce the intake of air into the stomach when eating. Smaller more frequent meals help reduce the time when the stomach is empty and therefore more susceptible to inflammation from stomach acids. Feeding from a height can also help with swallowing and reduce oesophageal irritation. Probiotics can help improve gut flora and reduce gastrointestinal gas production.

Many dogs will benefit from a strict hypoallergenic diet supporting the role of IBD (irritable bowel disease) as a major cause of this problem.

Ultimately treatment for this condition is often a case of trial and error once a diagnosis is established.