Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
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Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian
Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in dogs
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is an intestinal inflammation with sudden, severe episodes of frequent, bloody diarrhea. It’s often accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite. Unlike typical diarrhea, HGE can cause ulceration of the intestinal lining and blood loss, leading to severe dehydration quickly. This bloody diarrhea and severe dehydration can cause shock and collapse if not managed promptly.
Any dog might suffer from HGE, but it’s more common in middle-aged, small- to medium-sized dogs. It’s important to treat this condition immediately in order to address the symptoms and prevent dehydration. Treatment may require hospitalization for a few days.
Avery's story
Avery’s a classic Miniature Pinscher: brown, small, deeply loyal to his family, and a bit mischievous. One day, Avery whined to go outside several times in a short time. Each time, his stool was noticeably liquid and bloody. A few more hours passed, and he began vomiting and seemed lethargic. Avery’s owners immediately rushed to the clinic, where stool and blood tests confirmed a case of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The dog received IV fluids to treat dehydration and further supportive care to ease symptoms. Thankfully, Avery showed significant improvement two days later and was discharged after a total of four days in hospital. He was energetic, had a healthy appetite, and slept through the night without asking to go out.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)'s Causes: Uncovering Triggers
An exact cause of HGE has not been identified, but toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, which enter the system through external contamination have been suggested as the cause. External contamination can happen through:
- Spoiled food. A classic example is eating garbage or overly-exposed dry food
- Licking or ingesting contaminants found in puddles or soil
- Infection from another dog by licking their rear ends or consuming their feces
The bacterium can also exist harmlessly in a dog’s intestines and be triggered by various factors, including:
- Significant dietary shifts
- Food intolerance
- Stress
- Parasites, like worms or protozoa
- Certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressants
Recognizing Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE): Signs and Symptoms
- Frequent and bloody liquid diarrhea: the most prominent symptom. The dog will sometimes struggle to hold it in, and it may sometimes appear with traces of tissue or blood clots
- Vomiting, with or without blood
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Weakness and lethargy: common signs, but affected dogs may still appear energetic
- Shock and collapse: a sign of severe cases, caused by significant dehydration
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) Diagnosis: How it's Identified
While there’s no specific test for HGE, we can diagnose it based on various factors:
- Characteristic bloody diarrhea, especially in small adult dogs.
- A blood test measuring packed cell volume (PCV) often shows an elevated red blood cell concentration (hemoconcentration) due to significant fluid loss.
- Low protein levels may also be observed.
Acute bloody diarrhea can stem from several conditions, some of which are life-threatening, such as parvovirus, pancreatitis, clotting disorders from immune-mediated disease, tick fever or rat poison exposure, or certain tumors. Additional tests, including comprehensive bloodwork and abdominal imaging, are often required to rule out these conditions.
Treating Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE): Options and Approaches
- Fluid administration (typically intravenously at a high rate) to treat dehydration is the core treatment, generating clear improvement and further supporting the diagnosis.
- Supplements containing anti-diarrheals, prebiotics, and probiotics can reduce symptoms and boost recovery.
- Antibiotics may be used in severe cases, to manage clostridial overgrowth and prevent other bacteria from gaining access to the bloodstream due to intestinal damage.
- Gastroprotective agents help prevent further damage to the intestinal lining.
- Antiemetic medications, when needed.
- In cases of significant protein loss, plasma transfusions (containing blood proteins) may be required.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE): Surprising Facts
Clostridium is a large family of bacteria, including those that cause tetanus and botulism.
Research has shown that about 80% of dogs diagnosed with HGE vomit within the 10 hours preceding the appearance of bloody diarrhea.
HGE recovery rate is high, with over 90% of dogs recovering without complications, typically after a median hospitalization period of three days.
Vet's Tip: Dealing with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
Contrary to previous belief, fasting isn’t helpful and might actually be harmful, as it causes further damage to the gastrointestinal tract. It’s best to reintroduce food as soon as possible, focusing on easily digestible items and sensitive stomach diets. Adding prebiotics or probiotics is also a good idea.
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Latest in Research and Treatments
For years, broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment was standard for treating HGE.
However, recent studies show that milder cases experience no difference in recovery time or rate. Antibiotics are no longer given automatically- only when justified by high fever, high white blood cell count, or significant intestinal damage.
dogs breeds Prone to Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
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