Though most frequently seen in small breed dogs, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can be seen in any breed of dog. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can become life-threatening.
Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs Include Diarrhea and Vomiting
The most common symptom seen with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be severe and bloody in nature. Vomiting may also be seen with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Dogs affected with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis become dehydrated, often very early in the course of the disease and the degree of dehydration often seems severe compared to the degree of diarrhea and vomiting seen in affected dogs.
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is usually an acute disease, with affected dogs becoming quite ill very quickly. Left untreated, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can become life-threatening.
Dogs most likely to be affected with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis include:
- King Charles Spaniel
- Miniature French Poodle
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Pekingese
- Poodle
- Schnauzer
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Yorkshire Terrier
Though these breeds are predisposed to developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, the disease can be seen in dogs of any breed, sex or age.
Cause of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs Unknown
The cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is unknown. Several factors have been implicated as contributing factors and include:
- allergy to specific foods
- bacteria, such as Clostridium
- intestinal parasites
- hyperactivity
- stress
Many times a specific cause for the disease in the affected dog is never identified.
Treatment of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
The mainstay of treatment for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is fluid replacement to correct the dehydration associated with the disease. This often involves intravenous fluid therapy. Colloid therapy (intravenous) and plasma transfusions may become necessary for those dogs losing large amounts of protein with the gastroenteritis.
Antibiotics are often used in treating hemorrhagic gastroenteritis because of the possibility of bacteria being a contributing factor in causing the symptoms. Commonly used antibiotics are ampicillin and metronidazole, although other antibiotics may be used as well.
Anti-emetics (such as metoclopramide, maropitant, chlorpromazine and others) are commonly used to control vomiting when necessary.
Gastrointestinal protectants (such as sucralfate, kaolin-pectin or bismuth subsalicylate) are sometimes used if gastric or intestinal ulcers are suspected.
Food and water is usually withheld from dogs which are vomiting until no vomiting has occurred for 12-24 hours. Once the vomiting is controlled, a bland diet which is low in fat and easily digestible is usually substituted for the dog's regular food initially. A gradual transition back to the regular diet is recommended once the dog has recovered from the symptoms of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Prognosis for Dogs with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
The prognosis for dogs suffering with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis depends on the severity of the clinical signs and the extent of the dehydration. Death often occurs if the disease is not treated quickly and effectively.
Most commonly seen in small and toy breeds, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a serious and sometimes fatal disease in dogs which is characterized by hemorrhagic diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration. Extensive treatment may be necessary to treat dogs suffering from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Some dogs may not survive the disease, particularly those left untreated.
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