Dogs affected with HGE will often have a sudden onset of profuse, bloody diarrhea with a foul odor. Pet parents may also notice vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. HGE in dogs often occurs very rapidly and can occur without a change in the dog's diet, environment, or routine. A fever with HGE is uncommon. HGE can affect dogs of any breed, gender or age although younger (2-4 year old) toy and miniature breeds appear to be predisposed; stress and hyperactivity in these breeds may play a role in this syndrome.
Your veterinarian will begin with a physical examination of your pet. If HGE is suspected after the physical examination and history, your veterinarian will draw blood and perform a complete blood count (CBC) and often a chemistry panel to check organ function. If your dog’s CBC shows a total red blood cell level (PCV) of 60% or greater, and has all the clinical signs of HGE, a tentative diagnosis of HGE can be made. Additional diagnostics to diagnose HGE may include radiographs, urinalysis, fecal testing or ultrasound.
The cost of veterinary treatment can vary widely for various reasons, however, HGE requires immediate attention which can mean a visit to the nearest veterinary ER. Treatment costs can range between $500 and $2000 or more depending on the severity of the condition, size of the patient and whether or not hospitalization is required.
The prognosis for dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is good if this condition is discovered early and the bloody diarrhea is treated aggressively with replacement intravenous fluids and other appropriate supportive care. Left untreated, this condition can result in shock, sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or death. If your veterinarian advises treatment at home, it is imperative you follow up with them if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Recheck examinations to monitor your pet’s feces and blood work is important to make sure secondary infection has cleared.
Unfortunately as the cause of HGE is unknown, it is speculated that anticipation of stressful events and their effect on your dog may aid in prevention of HGE. If your pet has a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, daily probiotics and avoiding situations that may be stressful for them may help prevent HGE.
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