Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Star gazing in a dog: atypical manifestation of upper gastrointestinal disease.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Poirier-Guay, Marie-Pier et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Yorkshire terrier was brought to the vet because it was displaying unusual behavior, often raising its head and staring at the ceiling or sky, which is sometimes referred to as "star gazing." The vet found that the dog had erosive gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) along with reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus due to stomach acid). After treating these stomach issues, the dog's strange behavior went away, indicating that the two were likely connected.
Abstract
A Yorkshire terrier dog was presented for episodes of "star gazing" behavior expressed as upward raising of the head and neck extension with subsequent staring at the ceiling or sky. Erosive gastritis with reflux esophagitis was diagnosed. Treatment of these conditions was associated with resolution of the behavior, suggesting a causal link.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25392552/