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HGE
Bloody Diarrhea |
HGE (HEMORRHAGIC GASTROENTERITIS) is a
condition usually seen in young adult, small breed dogs. These dogs
have an acute onset of vomiting (sometimes with blood), fetid diarrhea and
sometimes straining. The feces usually have a fresh blood, jam-like
consistency.
This condition can progress into severe hypovolemic shock if an affected dog is not treated with fluids and other injectable medications. HGE can usually be distinguished from other causes of gastroenteritis via blood tests.
Hospitalization gives the best chance for survival with HGE. Prognosis for HGE is usually favorable if treatment is started soon enough. The cause remains unknown, although a bacterial toxin has been implicated. Clostridial bacteria may be the most common cause of HGE illness.
This condition can progress into severe hypovolemic shock if an affected dog is not treated with fluids and other injectable medications. HGE can usually be distinguished from other causes of gastroenteritis via blood tests.
Hospitalization gives the best chance for survival with HGE. Prognosis for HGE is usually favorable if treatment is started soon enough. The cause remains unknown, although a bacterial toxin has been implicated. Clostridial bacteria may be the most common cause of HGE illness.