If you're like most, you love your dog more than anything in the world. You want to do everything you can to ensure they're happy and healthy. In today's blog post, we are going to talk about HGE in dogs or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. HGE in dogs is characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea but fortunately, with the right treatment, dogs can make a full recovery. We'll go through what HGE is, its potential causes, and how to help your dog if you're worried in this article.
What is HGE in dogs?
HGE stands for Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and is characterized by vomiting and the acute onset of bloody diarrhea in dogs. Interestingly, HGE is the old term for this condition and the new term is Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS). The terminology changed as studies revealed that although vomiting is a symptom, the stomach is actually not affected by this syndrome. For the purpose of this article, we will refer to this syndrome as HGE as it is more widely known and understood by dog owners.
HGE in dogs is one of the most common reasons for acute bloody diarrhea. It occurs most often in small and toy-breed dogs that are young to middle-aged. The Yorkshire terrier, miniature pinscher, miniature schnauzer, and Maltese are some of the breeds that are more likely to develop HGE than other breeds. Other predisposed breeds include the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and Shelties.
HGE in dogs leads to a significant increase in small intestinal vascular and mucosal permeability, resulting in rapid loss of blood, protein, and fluids from the gastrointestinal tract. These resultant actions lead to the clinical symptoms of HGE in dogs.
What causes HGE in dogs?
The underlying cause of HGE in dogs remains unknown. Veterinarians believe it's a type of hypersensitivity reaction caused by bacteria, endotoxins secreted by microorganisms, or dietary elements. In addition, the bacteria Clostridium perfringens, produce enterotoxins that may be involved in the pathogenesis of HGE in dogs.
What are the symptoms of HGE in dogs?
The clinical symptoms of HGE can develop rapidly, within a few hours. The most common symptoms of HGE in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea (can resemble raspberry jam if severe)
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
Some dogs can also have a fever and pale mucous membranes with a slow capillary refill time.
How is HGE diagnosed in dogs?
If your dog is displaying any of the clinical signs associated with HGE, it's important to take them to see a veterinarian right away as this condition can progress quickly. There is no definitive test for HGE in dogs and diagnosis is made by excluding other diseases that can have the same clinical presentation (e.g. parvovirus).
In order to make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough history and performing a physical examination. They will then likely recommend some diagnostic tests which may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) - most dogs will have an elevated red blood cell count which is called polycythemia
- Biochemical profile to evaluate organs and the metabolic system
- Fecal flotation to rule out parasite causes
- Radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen
- Abdominal ultrasonography
Based on the results of these tests, your veterinarian will be able to confirm a diagnosis of HGE in dogs.
What is the treatment for HGE in dogs?
Specific therapy for HGE in dogs includes IV fluid therapy as it is one of the most crucial elements of the treatment since severe fluid loss and hypovolemic shock are possible. IV fluid therapy will also help to treat dehydration and any electrolyte imbalances.
Your veterinarian will also likely start antibiotics right away. Antibiotics are required to treat the possible Clostridium infection and bacterial translocation. Bacterial translocation occurs when the intestines are significantly inflamed and the bacterial flora within the intestines can migrate through the inflamed mucosa into the bloodstream.
Other supportive care may be required such as:
- Anti-emetics to control vomiting
- Gastro protectants and antacids such as omeprazole
- Pain relief if abdominal pain is present
- Giving small, frequent meals of a bland diet once your dog is able to eat
- Probiotics
What is the prognosis for dogs with HGE?
The prognosis for dogs with HGE is generally good if they are treated early and aggressively and most dogs recover in 2-3 days. The survival rate of HGE in dogs can be as high as 95% with the appropriate treatments and therapies.
Dogs however that have hypovolemic shock and sepsis can have a guarded to poor prognosis. Hypovolemic shock is a condition that occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to the body tissues. This can be due to severe fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea as seen in HGE. Sepsis is a serious complication that can occur with any infection and it occurs when the infection spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream.
Frequently asked questions about HGE in dogs
Is HGE in dogs contagious?
HGE is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted from dog to dog. However, the underlying cause of HGE (e.g. Clostridial bacterial infection) may be contagious but more research and studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
How can I prevent HGE in dogs?
There is no known prevention for HGE in dogs as the exact cause is still unknown. However, good hygiene practices such as prompt removal and disposal of feces, regular cleaning of dog areas and bowls, and good handwashing after contact with dogs may help to reduce the risk of contracting a bacterial infection.
How did my dog get HGE?
The exact cause of HGE in dogs is still unknown but there are several theories. One theory suggests that HGE is caused by an immune reaction to a bacterial infection. Another theory suggests that HGE is caused by a toxin produced by certain bacteria. And yet another theory suggests that HGE is caused by a viral infection. Regardless of the underlying cause, most cases of HGE are not contagious and cannot be transmitted from dog to dog.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) is a sudden onset of bloody diarrhea and vomiting and is a common condition in dogs. In severe cases, the stool can appear similar to that of raspberry jam. Recently, the terminology has changed and most veterinarians call this syndrome Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS). The cause is still unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to bacteria, endotoxins, or dietary elements. Treatment includes antibiotics and IV fluid therapy and most dogs recover within 2-3 days with the appropriate treatment. If you have questions about HGE in dogs or are concerned that your dog has HGE, please contact your veterinarian.