What is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis?
Have you said ‘my dog is pooping blood — what do I do?’ in the last few days? If this has happened all of a sudden, or if your furry friend is currently experiencing bouts of bloody diarrhea, you’re probably feeling concerned — and rightly so.
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), now sometimes referred to as Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), is a serious condition that affects dogs of all breeds, though smaller breeds seem to be particularly vulnerable.
While blood in your dog’s stool, and HGE itself, can be alarming, the good news is that it’s treatable with swift care from your vet.
Let’s break it down so you know what to look for, how it’s treated, and how to help your dog recover.
HGE is a condition characterized by sudden onset of severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It happens when the lining of the dog’s gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed, leading to leakage of fluids and blood into the intestines.
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, HGE often comes on rapidly and can progress to life-threatening dehydration if not treated promptly. Despite its severity, most dogs recover fully with early vet care and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Here are the general symptoms of HGE to look out for in your pup:
Early signs to watch for
The most common symptom of HGE is sudden, severe bloody diarrhea. If your dog is pooping blood, especially in large amounts or with a watery consistency, this is a red flag.
You might also notice your dog vomiting, and sometimes the vomit may also contain blood. These symptoms often come out of the blue, even in dogs that seemed perfectly healthy the day before, which might add to your stress around the situation.
Progression of symptoms
As the condition progresses, your dog may become lethargic and weak. Dehydration sets in quickly because of the rapid loss of fluids, which can be life-threatening if not addressed.
Check your dog’s gums. If they’re pale and tacky, this could mean shock, another serious complication of HGE. Rapid heart rates and overall weakness are additional signs that immediate vet attention is needed.
If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t delay. HGE progresses quickly, and your dog’s best chance of recovery is early intervention together with your vet.
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Causes of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Unfortunately, the exact cause of HGE isn’t fully understood. But there are several suspected triggers.
Dietary indiscretions — like your dog scavenging through the trash or eating raw or spoiled food — are common culprits. Stress, such as from boarding, travelling, or significant changes in the home, is another potential factor that can set off the condition.
Breed predispositions and risk factors
Certain breeds seem to be more susceptible to HGE. Small dogs, especially Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles, are commonly affected. While HGE can occur in any dog, it’s more frequently seen in middle-aged dogs. Understanding these risk factors can help you stay alert to early signs in vulnerable breeds.
The mystery factor
One of the more frustrating aspects of HGE is that its exact cause often remains a mystery. While stress and diet are strong contenders, the condition can occur without any clear trigger, leaving even the most diligent of pet owners feeling confused and concerned.
Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
When you bring your dog to the vet, the first step will be a thorough physical examination. Your vet will assess your dog’s hydration levels and overall health.
To confirm HGE, your vet may recommend a Packed Cell Volume (PCV) test, which measures the concentration of red blood cells in your dog’s blood. Elevated PCV levels, often above 60%, combined with normal or low total protein levels, are key indicators of HGE.
Differential diagnosis
Because HGE symptoms overlap with other serious conditions like parvovirus, intestinal parasites, and some bacterial infections, your vet will likely perform additional tests to rule out these possibilities. These tests may include bloodwork, fecal examinations, and even imaging studies to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Getting your dog to the vet as soon as you can is key here. Prompt and precise diagnosis is most important to begin effective treatment and avoid complications down the line.
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Treatment of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Treatment for HGE typically begins with intravenous (IV) fluids to rehydrate your dog and restore lost electrolytes. This step is crucial, as dehydration is one of the most dangerous aspects of the condition. Your vet may also administer anti-nausea medications to help control vomiting and make your dog more comfortable.
Supportive medications
In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, though this might depend on the individual case and the vet’s approach. Pain relief and anti-diarrheal medications may also be used to ease your pup’s symptoms.
Dietary adjustments
Once your dog’s condition stabilizes, your vet will most likely recommend a bland diet for a few days to give the digestive system a chance to recover. This could include easily digestible options like boiled chicken and rice.
Gradually, your dog’s regular diet can be reintroduced with the help of your vet.
On the hunt for bland food for your pup’s tummy troubles? Try out some of the best dog foods to eat while having diarrhea and help them recover quickly.
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Recovery of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Expected recovery timeline
With prompt and proper treatment, most dogs recover from HGE within a few days! But the recovery process requires close monitoring. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully, especially when it comes to medications and dietary restrictions.
Managing recurrence risks
Unfortunately, HGE can come back for some dogs. To minimize this risk, keep your dog on a high-quality, consistent diet and avoid giving them table scraps or allowing them to scavenge unknown foods. Keep an eye out on walks to make sure they’ve not snatched something foreign in their mouth.
Reducing stress is also essential; maintaining a regular routine and providing a calm, comfortable environment can help.
Long-term outlook
The prognosis for dogs treated early is excellent — good to hear, right? Regular vet check-ups can also help monitor your dog’s overall health and catch any issues before they escalate. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can give your pup the best possible care and peace of mind!
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
Seven Years
3 found this helpful
3 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
3 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
Mill
6 Months
25 found this helpful
25 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
25 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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Labrador Retriever
Harvey
9 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sickness Diarrhoea
Hello. My dog was stung on Tuesday. Could be wasp or bee. Face was swollen on one side and became very itchy. I gave piriton , that night was very sick. Next day he seemed ok , gave another piriton as still a little swollen. By the afternoon was having diarrhoea , took him to vets. Gave him anti sick injection and omaprazole , Friday seemed a lot worse , diarrhoea, . We took him to the vets Agsin They ran bloods , he has anemia. Losing albumin in blood. Gave him more meds. He got worse that afternoon. Starting passing a small amount of blood in his diarrhoea. Was drooling , and refused any kind of food. Never had he done that. He is a lab.i thought the worst .. he is so much better today. Eating , drinking. Having ultrasound on Tuesday to see what’s going on. Would you have any idea why he has anemia. This is so worrying ..
Aug. 5, 2018
2 Recommendations
Haemolytic anaemia may occur secondary to envenomation by bees (among other sources including snake bites and others); in these cases immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia may develop. However, you should follow up with your Veterinarian and see whether there are any other underlying causes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 6, 2018
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mini schnauzer
Rubee
10 Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Coughing
Diarreha
Sleep
My schnauzer has HGE since the 6th of July 2018, she stopped eating then and drinking, had vomiting and diarrhea, which turned bloody. I took her to the vet, she got antibiotics and fluids and went home, 2 days later she still wasnt drinking and still no food, took her to get blood work and more fluids. Early next morning a large amount of blood can from her back end, 4 times in 4 hours. She did drink some water but still no food. She sleeps all day and night and has not eaten in 5 to 6 days.
How do i get this to pass for her?
July 11, 2018
13 Recommendations
The specific underlying cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is still not fully understood; however treatment includes aggressive fluid therapy, antibiotics, supplementation along with other supportive and symptomatic care. If you’re not seeing any improvement in the condition you should return to your Veterinarian as Rubee may require some inpatient treatment and monitoring especially if she is getting dehydrated. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.msdvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-small-animals/hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-in-small-animals
July 12, 2018
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Labrador
Millie
4 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Hi my dog has recently had a bout of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and vomiting blood which was treated with IV fluids, 2x antibiotics, Omeprazole, Buscopan and Methadone (1 off) over night.
I have since had her home from the vet and she has been prescribed Calavseptin (500mg 1 tablet 2x daily) Metrobactin (500mg 1 Tablet 2x Daily), Omeprazole (10mg 2 tablets 2x daily) and Buscopan (10mg 1x daily when required).
I was advised to give her food little and often so her meals have consisted of scrambled egg or chicken and rice 4 times a day.
I understand she is going to be weak and sleepy due to the severity of the gastroenteritis. I was told by the vet I should expect her to have diarrhoea for up to 5 days. She has only had diarrhoea once when leaving the vet and has not had a bowel movement since. Should I be concerned about this or is it normal for this to occur?
June 17, 2018
3 Recommendations
Normally we would continue to expect to see diarrhoea due to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract for some time after the start of treatment, if there is no stool but Millie continues to eat and drink I wouldn’t be too concerned for know; however keep an eye on her and ensure that she is hydrated and not in any more discomfort than you would expect her to be (i.e. not straining to defecate etc…). If she doesn’t produce any stool by Monday I would suggest visiting your Veterinarian for an examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 18, 2018
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Mix
Ranger
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Blood In Stool
My dog ranger has had HGE twice in 6 months. First time we brought him to the vet after coming home from work and finding vomit and poop all over the house which is extremely unusual for him. They treated him with subdermal fluids and told him to rest. This time was much more severe, he vomited in the morning, and within 30 minutes he was vomiting blood. We rushed him to the ER where they kept him all day, overnight, and most of the next day. ($2,200) he was then sent home and has been slowly coming around, no vomiting and his stool was getting better. He Then today (day 5 of being home) he pooped and at the very end there was a drop or two of blood but he's still eating and drinking and still no vomit and the stool was 60% solid and he doesnt seem uneasy. Should I be concerned and take him back to the vet or is this the medication running it's course? He finished his cerenia and is and is still taking his metronidazole.
