Giant hypertrophic gastritis of Basenji dogs.

Giant hypertrophic gastritis is a newly recognized disease of adult Baseji dogs similar to Menetrier's disease of man. It is characterized by weight loss, diarrhea, dry coat, pale membranes, anorexia, raised convoluted rugae in the body of the stomach, palpable fluid- and gas-filled intestines, colonic inflammation, and radiographically demonstrable dilated intestinal loops. Laboratory findings include leukocytosis, neutrophilia, low hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, hypobetaglobulinemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, decreased serum fatty acids, hypocholesterolemia, indicanuria, low fecal pH, and increased fecal fat and nitrogen. Four dogs studied had gastritis with hypertrophy and diffuse lymphocytosis and plasmacytosis of the small intestine.