Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a syndrome in dogs characterized by a sudden onset of severe bloody diarrhea, projectile vomiting, listlessness and dehydration. Due to loss of fluids, hypovolemic shock can occur quickly. This syndrome affects adult dogs of all breeds, but tends to be more common in smaller breeds (e.g. Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, etc…). Most affected dogs have been healthy with no recent environmental changes.

Risk factors and cause for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis are unknown. However, there has been speculation that the problem is caused by an overgrowth of Clostridium bacteria in the small intestine. Research is ongoing. Clinical signs often begin with depression, vomiting and lack of appetite (anorexia) followed by bloody diarrhea. Pets may be painful on abdominal palpation. Pets may or may not have a fever. Signs progress rapidly to dehydration and shock.

Differential diagnoses for these symptoms are parvovirus and other viruses, bacterial enteritis (bacterial infection of the intestinal tract), gastrointestinal ulcers, intestinal parasites, rat poisoning, intestinal obstruction or intussusception, hypoadrenocorticism, and pancreatitis. To determine the cause of the illness, your veterinarian may need to do bloodwork, fecal analysis and possibly x-rays / ultrasound of the abdomen.

With prompt veterinary care, most dogs respond to treatment and recover. Treatment for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis involves fluid therapy. This may be done with subcutaneous fluids on an outpatient basis, or in the hospital with IV fluids. The type of fluid therapy recommended will depend on the severity of each individual case. Fluid therapy allows for correction of dehydration and replacement of ongoing fluid and electrolyte losses. Antibiotics and medications for nausea and vomiting are also sometimes helpful. Initially, the patient will be held off food and water until vomiting is under control. During the recovery period, we recommend feeding a bland diet such as Royal Canin Sensitive or Hills I/D for several days.

With appropriate treatment, most dogs make a rapid and complete recovery from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. However, in rare cases, there can be further complications such as increased liver enzymes, bleeding disorders, seizures, cardiac arrhythmia or even sudden death. Early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment are essential when dealing with this disease! Approximately 10% of affected dogs will have future episodes of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

After hospitalization, your pet may need continued treatment at home:

( ) Feed your pet ____________________ every ______ hours; or ________ multiple small meals for the next ______ days.

( ) Start your pet on his/her regular diet on ____________________________.

( ) Start the oral ANTIBIOTICS as directed. Use entire contents. Give _______ tablet(s) every _____ hours.

( ) Give the ANTI-EMETIC pills as needed. _____ pill(s) every ______hours. If your pet responds well, you may only need to give this medication for 2-3 days.

( ) Give the ANTI-DIARRHEAL medication as needed. _____ pill(s)/cc every ______hours. If your pet responds well, you may only need to give this medication for 2-3 days.

( ) You can give your pet ______ tsp/cc of kaopectate/peptobismol/immodium AD ______ times daily as needed to help with diarrhea.

Notify the hospital if your pet continues to vomit, cannot hold down the medications, or appears to worsen in any way.

Please call the hospital should you have any questions or concerns.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.