What Causes HGE in Dogs
Sep 06,2024 | puaintapets
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) is a serious and acute gastrointestinal condition that affects dogs. It is characterized by sudden vomiting and severe, bloody diarrhea, often leading to rapid dehydration. While HGE can be alarming for pet owners, early intervention typically results in a good prognosis. Understanding the causes and symptoms is crucial for ensuring quick treatment and recovery.
What is Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)?
HGE is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed and bleeds, resulting in bloody diarrhea. This condition usually comes on very quickly and can escalate rapidly if left untreated. It differs from other gastrointestinal conditions like parvovirus because it typically occurs in adult dogs that are otherwise healthy and has no clear cause, although certain factors are linked to its onset.
What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs?
- Sudden vomiting and diarrhea with a pasty consistency, sometimes with the original food being vomited up
- Diarrhea that is yellow or light green, thick and pasty or thin, with more frequent and larger bowel movements
- Discharge of jelly-like mucus and blood, pink to brownish-red, stools are thinner than before, more fishy odor
- Vomiting, vomiting everything, sometimes the vomit is light red in color.
- Poor spirit, like to lie down, love to drink water
- Poor energy, lethargy, slow reaction time, sunken eyes, coarse back hair, poor skin elasticity.
- Dry mouth, dry nose and a white covering on the nosepiece.
- Cold extremity endings, limb weakness, more prone, lethargy
- Gastrointestinal peristalsis is weakened, heart rate is accelerated, and respiration is accelerated.
- In severe cases of vomiting and diarrhea, the vomit and diarrhea are bright red, and the visible mucous membrane is pale.
- Yellow urine, sometimes little or no urine, urine is strongly acidic, i.e. acidosis
These symptoms may develop rapidly, leading to severe dehydration and shock in dogs, which may be life-threatening if not treated in time. Therefore, as soon as you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Also Read: Understanding Dog Diarrhea with Blood
What is the Difference Between Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and Common Diarrhea in Dogs?
The main difference between hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs and common diarrhea is the severity of the symptoms and the cause. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a serious condition characterized by bloody stools in addition to diarrhea, due to damage to the mucous membranes and bleeding as a result of intestinal inflammation. Common diarrhea, on the other hand, may simply be caused by food intolerance, indigestion, or a mild intestinal infection, and is usually not accompanied by bloody stools and relatively mild symptoms.
While hemorrhagic gastroenteritis may be caused by specific pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, or parasites), ordinary diarrhea may have more varied causes, including poor diet, stress, or other noninfectious factors. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis requires more aggressive treatment, including antibiotics, rehydration, and supportive care, whereas common diarrhea may only require dietary modifications and the administration of symptomatic therapy.
In terms of clinical presentation, dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis may have severe dehydration, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weakness, whereas dogs with ordinary diarrhea usually do not have bloody stools and severe dehydration, although they may also have these symptoms. Therefore, when your dog develops bloody stools, you should take him or her to the doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes HGE in Dogs?
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs is an acute gastroenteritis syndrome, the exact cause of which is not fully understood, but may be related to a number of factors. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs may be caused by the following.
Food Factors
Dogs may develop hemorrhagic gastroenteritis as a result of eating spoiled, rotten, cold, or greasy food, or eating meat, poultry offal, or fish offal containing lymph nodes.
Bacterial infection
Certain bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens, may overgrow and release toxins in the intestinal tract, causing necrosis and bleeding of the intestinal epithelium.
Related: Understanding and Managing Bacterial Infections in Cats
Immune-mediated diseases
A dog's immune system may mistakenly attack its own stomach tissue, leading to bleeding.
Parasitic infections
Certain parasites, such as hookworm, may cause intestinal bleeding.
Drug Reactions
Prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs) may lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Gastrointestinal foreign bodies
Dogs that swallow sharp foreign objects, such as bone fragments, may scratch the stomach lining causing bleeding.
Blood clotting disorders
Thrombocytopenia or other clotting abnormalities may lead to stomach bleeding.
The diagnosis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs is usually based on clinical signs, hemoconcentration (elevated erythrocyte pressure volume), and normal to mildly decreased total plasma protein concentration. Treatment usually includes rehydration, antibiotics, anti-ulcer medications, corticosteroids, and other supportive therapies. Since this is a serious disease that can lead to death if left untreated, prompt veterinary evaluation and treatment is critical.
What Foods May Cause Digestive Bleeding in Dogs?
Digestive bleeding in dogs can be caused by a variety of foods, and here are some of the foods that can lead to this condition.
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Poultry bones
Cooked poultry bones may become sharp and can easily cut your dog's mouth and digestive tract, leading to bleeding.
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Onions and garlic
These foods contain compounds that can destroy your dog's red blood cells and may cause hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Raw Eggs and Raw Meat
Raw eggs and raw meat may contain bacteria and parasites, pathogens that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract.
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Avocado
Avocados contain compounds that are harmful to dogs and can cause digestive discomfort and bleeding.
If your dog shows signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting, black feces or abdominal pain, stop feeding the above foods immediately and contact your veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible. These potentially dangerous foods should be avoided in your dog's dietary management to keep your dog healthy.
Related: Is Avocado Oil Good for Dogs
How to Prevent Immune-Mediated Gastrointestinal Disease in Dogs?
To prevent your dog from developing immune-mediated gastrointestinal disease, you can take the following steps.
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Maintain gut microbial balance
By adding micro-ecological agents, such as probiotics, to your dog's diet, you can help regulate the micro-ecological balance of the gastrointestinal tract and maintain the ecological balance between the micro-organisms in the gut and the immune system.
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Moderate Antibacterial
Avoid prolonged abuse of antibiotics, as this will disrupt the micro-ecological balance in the gastrointestinal tract, reduce the immunity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and may lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
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Immunization and deworming
Regular immunization and deworming to prevent viral and parasitic gastroenteritis.
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Boosting Immunity
Probiotic supplementation can help boost your dog's immunity, relieve stress, and improve digestive function.
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Maintain a healthy diet
Reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders by providing balanced nutrition and avoiding feeding food from unknown sources, unclean or spoiled food.
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Exercise regularly
Proper exercise helps improve your dog's overall health and immunity.
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Avoid contamination of food and water
Make sure your dog's drinking water is clean to avoid them ingesting contaminated water sources.
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Focus on emotional health
Keep your dog mentally healthy and reduce depression and anxiety, as emotional state can also affect your dog's immunity.
By doing the above, you can effectively reduce your dog's risk of immune-mediated gastrointestinal disease. Remember to consult your veterinarian for advice before implementing any new health management measures.
What to Do When My Dog Has Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
The following first aid measures should be taken immediately when your dog develops gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Stay calm
Assess your dog's condition quickly and calmly to avoid improper treatment due to panic.
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Seek urgent medical attention
Vomiting or shitting blood is an emergency and should be treated immediately by contacting a veterinarian or traveling to the nearest animal hospital.
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Assessing the Condition
Observe your dog's behavior, level of consciousness, and any other unusual symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.
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Do not self-administer medication
Do not give your dog any hemostatic drugs or over-the-counter medications without consulting your veterinarian.
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Clean gently
If your dog has visibly bloody stools, use warm water and gauze to gently clean your dog's anus and surrounding area to avoid infection.
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Temporary Fasting
Give your dog a period of fasting to help the digestive tract rest and heal. Provide enough water, but do not give any solid food.
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Provide detailed information
At the time of your visit, provide your veterinarian with information about your dog's recent behavior, dietary history, and possible sources of poisoning. Keep in mind that these first aid measures are temporary and your dog's GI bleeding may be caused by a serious health problem that requires specialized veterinary care.
How Should I Hydrate My Dog with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis?
Hydration for dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis should be done under the guidance of your veterinarian, as your dog may need to be fasted and dehydrated during the acute phase to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Here are some ways to rehydrate.
Intravenous Rehydration
For severely dehydrated dogs, your veterinarian may administer fluids and electrolytes quickly through an IV.
Oral rehydration salts
Under the direction of your veterinarian, your dog may be given an oral rehydration salt solution to help restore water and electrolyte balance.
Drinking small amounts of water several times
Where the dog is able to drink, small amounts of fresh water should be offered and the dog should be encouraged to drink small amounts several times to avoid vomiting caused by drinking too much water at once.
Moist food
Can be provided During the dog's recovery period, the dietary arrangement should follow the following principles:
Provide easily digestible food
Choose low-fiber, low-fat, non-irritating foods, such as cooked chicken and white rice, to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
Eat small and frequent meals
Don't overfeed at the beginning, 7 minutes of fullness is appropriate to help your dog gradually recover the gastrointestinal function.
Gradually resume normal diet
In the absence of symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea in your dog, you can gradually increase the type and amount of food, and resume normal diet after about 1-2 weeks.
Supplementary Nutrition
Foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as fish and cooked vegetables, can be provided to support the body's recovery.
Avoid allergens
Be aware of your dog's allergic reactions to certain foods and avoid introducing new food allergens during the recovery period.
Hydrate in moderation
Ensure your dog has adequate water intake to help maintain fluid balance and boost metabolism.
Please adjust the diet plan according to your dog's specific condition and your veterinarian's advice to ensure your dog receives proper nutritional support during the recovery period.
Conclusion
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in dogs is a serious condition often triggered by stress, dietary indiscretion, bacterial infections, or parasites. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate veterinary care can prevent complications and lead to a successful recovery. Preventative measures, such as managing stress, maintaining a consistent diet, and ensuring proper hygiene, can help reduce the risk of HGE in dogs.