Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs: What It Is and How to Treat It
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs, also known as Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), is one of the most prevalent causes of abrupt onset bloody diarrhea in canines.
Although it exhibits symptoms similar to other causes of bloody diarrhea, such as parvovirus and pancreatitis, it is a distinct disorder that mainly affects small breed dogs.
While seeing your dog with bloody diarrhea and vomiting is obviously frightening, prompt veterinarian care may be lifesaving. The prognosis is favorable for most dogs who get immediate and intensive treatment.
Below we will examine the latest research into canine hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and show you what to do if your dog gets this ailment.
Table of Contents
- What Is HGE in Dogs?
- What Causes HGE in Dogs?
- What Are the Symptoms of HGE in Dogs?
- How Is HGE Diagnosed in Dogs?
- What Is the Treatment for HGE in Dogs?
- The Role of Nutrition in Gastroenteritis
- What Is the Prognosis for Dogs with HGE?
- Recovery and Management of Hemorragic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Liver Support for Dogs
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What Is HGE in Dogs?
HGE is an abbreviation for Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting and the sudden start of bloody diarrhea in dogs. HGE is the former name for this disorder and the current name is Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS).
The phrase evolved when research demonstrated that, although vomiting is a symptom, this illness does not harm the stomach. This article will refer to this condition as HGE since it is more generally recognized and understood by dog owners.
One of the dogs’ most prevalent causes of acute bloody diarrhea is HGE. It is widespread in young to middle-aged tiny and toy breed dogs. Yorkshire Terriers, Tiny Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Maltese are among the breeds more susceptible than others to acquiring HGE. Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shelties are also vulnerable breeds.
HGE increases dogs’ small intestine vascular and mucosal permeability, leading to fast blood, protein and fluids loss from the gastrointestinal system. These following activities cause the clinical signs of HGE in dogs.
What Causes HGE in Dogs?
The precise etiology of AHDS is uncertain (idiopathic). It might be due to dietary indiscretion (consuming non-food or various foods), immune-mediated illness, toxins or pancreatitis.
In many situations, stress, worry, and hyperactivity are regarded to be significant causes. Among the other probable causes of AHDS are:
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers.
- Gastrointestinal tumors or obstruction.
- Trauma.
- Infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus infection.
- Foreign bodies.
- Coagulation disorders.
- Intestinal bacteria.
- Intestinal parasites.
According to a recent study, AHDS might be an allergic response (food or inhaled). Dogs that have different allergies or atopic may be predisposed to having AHDS in the future.
HGE is not contagious among dogs, even though we do not know what causes it. The Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Maltese, Dachshund, Toy Poodle, Bichon Frise, Shetland Sheepdog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are the most often affected breeds. The most usually afflicted canines are young to middle-aged dogs.
What Are the Symptoms of HGE in Dogs?
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs is distinguished by a rapid onset of bloody diarrhea. Symptoms often appear suddenly over a few hours. Many dogs vomit, typically before diarrhea begins and there may be blood in the vomit in certain instances.
Other signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis include:
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever.
- Abdominal pain.
- Depression.
- Dehydration.
- Collapse.
- Shock.
- Cool extremities.
- Hypothermia.
- Pale gums.
You should seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog shows any of these signs. If neglected, this illness may result in severe dehydration and hypovolemic shock, which can be deadly.
How Is HGE Diagnosed in Dogs?
Suppose your dog shows any of the clinical indications associated with HGE. In that case, you should take him to a veterinarian immediately since this illness may worsen fast.
There is no definitive test for HGE in dogs, and the diagnosis is determined by ruling out other diseases with similar clinical manifestations (e.g., parvovirus).
Your veterinarian will begin by obtaining a detailed history and completing a physical examination to establish a diagnosis. They will next most likely propose various diagnostic tests, such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC). These will be used to assess your dog’s red blood cell count, which may aid in diagnosing the hemorrhagic type of canine gastroenteritis. Other abnormalities in blood count, such as a low protein level, may suggest protein loss via the gastrointestinal system.
- A biochemical profile is used to assess organs and the metabolic system.
- Fecal flotation is used to rule out parasitic causes. A stool sample will be examined for parasites and germs to see whether they contribute to your dog’s diarrhea.
- Abdominal radiographs (X-rays). Other probable causes of diarrhea and vomiting in your dogs, such as a foreign body, intussusception or gastrointestinal blockage, will be ruled out by X-rays of the abdomen.
- Ultrasonography of the abdomen.
- Endoscopic observation.
Your veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis of HGE in dogs based on the findings of these tests.
What Is the Treatment for HGE in Dogs?
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a severe illness that needs immediate veterinarian attention. If we talk about gastroenteritis in dogs, treatment at home is not advised.
Without veterinary care, your dog might quickly develop life-threatening dehydration and fall into shock due to blood and fluid loss.
Your dog must be hospitalized once under veterinarian care for intensive care, monitoring and treatment. The core of HGE treatment in dogs is vigorous intravenous fluid therapy, which helps your dog rehydrate and replenish the blood volume lost due to diarrhea.
Some dogs may also need plasma infusions to help restore protein lost owing to high amounts of bloody diarrhea.
Medication for HGE in Dogs
In addition to fluid treatment, your dog will get supportive care. It may include drugs to help him feel better and reduce inflammation in his gastrointestinal system.
Antiemetic drugs will be administered either by injection or by mouth to assist control any continued vomiting. Gastroprotective medicines, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, are also often used to prevent ulcers of the stomach lining.
Discomfort relievers, such as buprenorphine, are given to your dog to assist reduce stomach pain and make him more comfortable.
Probiotics are often recommended to aid in regulating the gut microbiota and inhibit harmful microorganisms.
When your dog is released from the hospital, he will most likely continue to get probiotics. Probiotics are often available as a powder or pill that may be simply put over your dog’s diet.
Your dog may also be given low-fat, readily digested food to help avoid future GI discomfort. Your veterinarian may advise you to return to your usual dog food after a set time.
Also, they may advise you to continue this prescription diet for the remainder of your dog’s life.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Treatment Cost
Because dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis need hospitalization and treatment for many days, this ailment may be costly to treat.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the number of days spent in the hospital, pet owners should budget between $500 and $1,500 for hospitalization and treatment.
The Role of Nutrition in Gastroenteritis
The importance of nutrition in gastroenteritis cannot be emphasized, particularly considering that poor dietary choices are at the root of many episodes. That can be mentioned as being part of dog gastroenteritis home treatment.
You should feed your dog regularly using food that will not disturb their stomach. Try not to modify their meals too often or to introduce new items in massive amounts.
To cure (and prevent) most gastroenteritis occurrences, veterinarians will typically prescribe a diet low in fat and rich in digestible fiber. If your dog suffers from food intolerance or allergy, their veterinarian may recommend a hydrolyzed protein or novel protein diet.
What Is the Prognosis for Dogs with HGE?
If dogs with HGE are treated early and aggressively, their prognosis is typically favorable and most dogs recover in 2 – 3 days. With the right treatments and therapies, the survival percentage of HGE in dogs may be as high as 95 percent.
On the other hand, dogs with hypovolemic shock and sepsis have a guarded to lousy prognosis. Hypovolemic shock occurs when inadequate blood flow to the body’s tissues.
As observed in HGE, this might be related to substantial fluid loss via vomiting and diarrhea. Sepsis is a dangerous infection-related condition that arises when the infection spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream.
Recovery and Management of Hemorragic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
You may continue to care for your dog after he returns home from the vet. If your vet determines that your dog’s gastroenteritis is caused by a contagious disease, segregate your dog from your other pets. Allow your dog to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours after no vomiting.
Then, every 2 hours, give your dog small quantities of clear liquids, such as water. If your dog hasn’t vomited after 12 hours, give him small, regular meals of hamburger and rice or chicken and rice.
The Takeaway
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis is a frequent illness in dogs that causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting. In extreme situations, the HGE dog poop may appear like raspberry jam.
Recently, the nomenclature has shifted, and most veterinarians now refer to this condition as Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS).
The exact etiology is unclear. However, it is thought to be a hypersensitivity response to bacteria, endotoxins, or dietary components.
Antibiotics and intravenous fluid therapy are used in treatment, and most dogs recover in 2 – 3 days with the proper care. Please consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding HGE in dogs or are worried that your dog has HGE.
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Image source: Wikimedia / David Whelan.
