Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What are Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis?

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a serious medical condition that is characterized by the sudden onset of bloody diarrhea. Though the disease may occur in dogs of any age and breed, it is most prevalent in young dogs of miniature and toy breeds. Small and miniature breeds include, Yorkshire terriers, miniature schnauzers, French poodles (miniature), Pekingese, and the Shetland sheepdog. A dog with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis must be treated immediately to address dangerous levels of dehydration and to prevent death.

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal disease with no known cause. The main symptom is acute bloody diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting. If not treated immediately, the condition can be fatal, as diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and shock.
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Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

The most telling symptom of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is bloody diarrhea, which is similar in appearance to a jelly-like substance. There will be a large volume of diarrhea, and the diarrhea is likely to be bright red in color. Other symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Depression
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Fever

Though diarrhea and vomiting are common with other gastrointestinal diseases, acute bloody diarrhea, in particular, requires prompt medical attention.

Causes of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

There is no known cause for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis though there may be a correlation between stress and the development of the disease. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis more commonly occurs in young adult dogs and is most prevalent in miniature dog and toy breeds, such as Miniature Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. However, it may affect dogs of any age and breed.

Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

The veterinarian may make a hypothetical diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis based on your dog’s symptoms and clinical history. Because hemorrhagic gastroenteritis shares symptoms with many other gastrointestinal diseases, the veterinarian may still perform other tests, such as a urinalysis and complete blood count. These will help eliminate other causes as the source of the diarrhea and vomiting.

The diagnosis is likely to be confirmed with a blood test, which will reveal elevated packed cell volume (PCV) levels. A high PCV indicates that the percentage of red blood cells present in the blood volume is too high compared to the amount of fluid. This, combined with low total protein levels and acute bloody diarrhea, form the basis for a diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

Treatment of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Treatment for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis focuses on the symptoms instead of the condition itself. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis requires immediate medical attention, as the sudden onset of bloody diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration that must be addressed as soon as possible if the dog is to survive. Most dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis will need to be hospitalized so that fluids can be given intravenously. Fluid therapy is continued for as long as the diarrhea persists.

If your dog has gone into shock, steroids may be administered. Your dog may require blood or plasma transfusions if he or she has lost a large enough quantity of blood, and the veterinarian may use antibiotics in order to prevent infection. During this time, food and water will be withheld. Your dog should respond to treatment within 24 to 48 hours, at which point food and water can be slowly reintroduced.

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Recovery of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Provide your dog with a quiet, comfortable place in which to recuperate and regain strength, and monitor him or her daily for signs of nausea or other symptoms. The veterinarian may recommend that you continue to limit access to food and water, gradually building back up to your dog’s original diet as the gastrointestinal tract recovers. If the vomiting or diarrhea returns, bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Otherwise, a follow-up examination is only necessary at the veterinarian’s discretion.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Average Cost

From 19 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,500

Average Cost

$1,100

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Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Chihuahua

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Seven Years

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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Has Vomited, Diarrhea, Last Time With What Looked Like Pink Pieces
I am worried it is hge, She was at vet today and they blamed anal glands and did an expression Could the pink I see be because of that? She still seems to not be herself. She is also diabetic

Sept. 28, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

4 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. I do not think that the pink things you are seeing in her stool would be related to the anal glands, but I would worry that there was more going on if she doesn't feel good. As a diabetic, she is more complicated, as you know. If you are not sure she is okay, it would be best that I either have a recheck with your veterinarian, or a second opinion to make sure that everything is all right with her. I hope that all goes well.

Oct. 2, 2020

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American Staffordshire Terrier

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Mill

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6 Months

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18 found this helpful

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18 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Bloody Diarrhoea
My dog was just diagnosed with HSE. She had all symptoms. We just got her back after one day and one night of being hospitalised and the vet advised us to a diet for the next 3-4 to help the diarrhoea stop. They always told us the blood has stopped coming out, however today I got home from work and fed her the food specifically set for her treatment and she did diarrhoea (which I expected) but still had blood come out. Although it wasn’t a lot of blood as previously as all that came out before was only blood and no steel. Should I be concern that after a day of her treatment she still has a little bit of blood of will this get better over time?

Aug. 7, 2018

18 Recommendations

Recovery from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis doesn’t happen overnight, you will notice improvement over the next week or so as the condition improves; continue to monitor her and if there is no improvement or symptoms get worse visit your Veterinarian again for review. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Aug. 7, 2018

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Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Average Cost

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Average Cost

$1,100

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