Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a serious and potentially fatal gastrointestinal illness in dogs. It is characterized by sudden onset of severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Many pet owners are unfamiliar with this condition and the treatments available to help their dog. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify HGE in dogs and how to treat it in order to give your pet the best chance of recovery. We will also discuss how to prevent HGE and how to best care for a dog that has been diagnosed with the condition. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of HGE is essential in order to provide the best care for your pet. By informing yourself on this serious condition, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care to allow them to recover and live a long and healthy life.
How is AHDS in dogs diagnosed?
Based on your dog’s symptoms and the findings of a blood test, your veterinarian ought to be able to make a diagnosis. When measuring the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s bloodstream, the packed cell volume (PCV) of dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome is typically higher than normal. Your veterinarian will probably also take steps to rule out additional gastrointestinal problems and blood in the stools causes, such as intestinal parasites, Addison’s disease, parvovirus, Addison’s disease, and poison rat poison intoxication. This may entail performing additional tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, biochemistry panels, and collecting samples of urine and feces.
One of the most reliable findings in dogs with AHDS is hemoconcentration. It happens when the volume of red blood cells in relation to the fluid volume of blood is very high. It is typically brought on by a severe loss of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride as well as water.
How to Treat HGE in Dogs
Take your dog to the vet right away if there are any indications of HGE. According to Matejka, the extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalances brought on by HGE’s severe diarrhea and vomiting Therefore, the main goal of treatment is to replace lost fluids through intravenous (IV) fluids.
To treat bacterial overgrowth and prevent infections, veterinarians frequently prescribe antibiotics as well; metronidazole is occasionally used in these circumstances. In order to counteract significant blood loss, your dog might also require blood transfusions. During your pet’s recovery, your veterinarian may also prescribe medications to treat pain, nausea, stomach acid, and probiotics to repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria.
If dogs receive prompt veterinary care, canine HGE doesn’t last very long. They frequently recover quickly, showing significant improvement within the first day of receiving treatment. Most puppies leave the hospital in three days or less.
It can be difficult to diagnose AHDS, and in severe cases, intestinal biopsies may be necessary. The evaluation of AHDS typically entails a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical analysis of the blood, urinalysis, radiographs (X-rays), coagulation tests, fecal evaluation, and ultrasound or endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract due to the large number of potential causes.
Although AHDS can affect any breed, age, size, or gender, small and toy breed dogs are the most frequently affected. The condition appears to affect young Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Yorkshire Terriers more frequently. Other breeds that are frequently impacted include the Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Fries, Shetland Sheepdog, and Pekingese.
Gastrointestinal protectants like sucralfate (Carafate®, Sulcrate®), as well as anti-vomiting drugs like maropitant (Cerenia®), may be used as additional treatments for AHDS. In extreme situations, plasma or colloids (the liquid component of blood) may be required to restore dangerously low blood protein levels. Sometimes, probiotics and painkillers are also used to treat this condition.
In dogs with AHDS, the packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit (HCT), a measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, is frequently higher than 60%. Most dogs have a normal HCT of 37% to 55%. An important indicator that a dog may have AHDS is an elevated HCT in conjunction with a low or normal total protein. Blood pH, blood bicarbonate levels, and serum chemistries are additional signs that AHDS may be present.
The dog’s red blood cell count will continue to rise as a result of dehydration without intravenous fluid therapy. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a potentially fatal clotting disorder, is a possibility in this case for the dog. Once DIC starts, it’s frequently irreversible and can even be fatal.
FAQ
Can a dog recover from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis?
Additionally, HGE-affected dogs are lethargic, refuse food, and are prone to dehydration, which, if untreated, can result in shock and even death. The good news is that with veterinary care, dogs with HGE typically make a full recovery, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
How long can a dog live with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis?
The prognosis for dogs with HGE is typically good if they receive prompt, aggressive treatment, and the majority of them recover in two to three days. When given the right treatments and therapies, dogs with HGE have a survival rate of up to 95%.
What causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs?
HGE is typically brought on by dietary errors or consuming unaccustomed foods or treats. HGE frequently happens after dogs eat human foods high in fat and/or seasonings, but it can also happen to dogs who consume too many treats or treats with too much fat.
How can I treat my dogs HGE at home?
- feeding a gastrointestinal tract-friendly, highly digestible therapeutic food
- Add an electrolyte supplement to their water to help them stay more hydrated.
- Take it easy on exercise for a few days.