Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.