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What Causes HGE in Dogs

Nov 04,2024 | 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.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

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?

  1. Sudden vomiting and diarrhea with a pasty consistency, sometimes with the original food being vomited up
  2. Diarrhea that is yellow or light green, thick and pasty or thin, with more frequent and larger bowel movements
  3. Vomiting, vomiting everything, sometimes the vomit is light red in color 
  4. Poor spirit, like to lie down, love to drink water 
  5. Poor energy, lethargy, slow reaction time, sunken eyes, coarse back hair, poor skin elasticity 
  6. Dry mouth, dry nose and a white covering on the nosepiece 
  7. Cold extremity endings, limb weakness, more prone, lethargy
  8. Gastrointestinal peristalsis is weakened, heart rate is accelerated, and respiration is accelerated 

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 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.

  • Poultry bones

Cooked poultry bones may become sharp and can easily cut your dog's mouth and digestive tract, leading to bleeding. 

  • Onions and garlic

These foods contain compounds that can destroy your dog's red blood cells and may cause hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Raw eggs and raw meat may contain bacteria and parasites, pathogens that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract. 

  • 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

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

Regular immunization and deworming to prevent viral and parasitic gastroenteritis. 

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Probiotic supplementation can help boost your dog's immunity, relieve stress, and improve digestive function. 

  • 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. 

  • Avoid contamination of food and water

Make sure your dog's drinking water is clean to avoid them ingesting contaminated water sources.

  • 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.

  • Stay calm

Assess your dog's condition quickly and calmly to avoid improper treatment due to panic.

  • 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.

  • Assessing the Condition

Observe your dog's behavior, level of consciousness, and any other unusual symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Moist food

Can be provided During the dog's recovery period, the dietary arrangement should follow the following principles:

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. 

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs

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.

Also Read:  HGE in Dogs

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