Hemorraghic Gastroenteritis (HGE)

[Giselle]

I need info on this, quick. I skimmed through a few descriptions and FAQs, but I was wondering if anybody on here has had past experiences with HGE. How did you treat it? How speedy was the recovery? Were there reoccurences of bloody Big D? Thanks much.

[dragondawg]

From a quick scan on the Internet fluid replacement possibly plasma yields very good results. Recovery can occur in 48-72 hrs. Antibiotics are frequently given as the cause still indeterminant is thought to involve Clostridia bacteria. Sometimes acid blockers are also used.

[Giselle]

I heard they added Potassium to the fluids...Does that sound about right? Lucky has an appt. with the vet tomorrow to determine whether or not it really is HGE. We were considering Parvo, but Lucky's had all his vaccs just a few months ago.

How do they go about this fluid replacement? Does he have to stay overnight? In what form are the antibiotics most frequently given in? Liquids? Thanks much; he's got me real worried.

[Scooby4]

Hemorragphic Gastroenteritis (HGE) sounds like a BIG word for "Blood in the Stool". Blood can be in the stool for many reasons. Believe it or not it is a sign of FOOD POISONING in a dog or cat. Completely harmless and will pass. Maybe allow the dog to eat some fresh non-chemically treated grasses. It settles their stomachs and may help with digestion.
If the dog's condition was Parvo, then it most likely would have died already. It doesn't take but a few days or Parvo to be deadly. It is EXTREMELY contagious and ALL bedding would need bleached or destroyed before any more animals could be near it. The symptom's you have describe doesn't lead me to believe Parvo is a factor here. That should be good news.
If they do need to give fluids they will do it intraveniously just like humans. They may keep the dog overnight in case of reaction and observation. It also may be given on a "Slow Drip" which takes longer.
My suggestion is to watch your dog's diet. Make observations on what ingrediants may be in the dog food if you a series of changes on type of food. Typical in the first months of pet ownership until a brand and type is developed. Make sure the dog isn't eating some kind of plants low enough for it to reach. Grass is good but other plants like Aloe are not.
Your vet should know what is wrong by the next visit I hope. Good luck!

[bckrazy]

OMG!! 0_0 poor Lucky. . it all sounds really really scary, I hope he feels better soon. Parvo is really scary, I'm sure he doesn't have it, but I'm praying he doesn't and the vets can help him quickly. Poor little guy

[NoahsMommy]

Hope Lucky is OK.

I know when I go to the hospital for my crohn's, they add a lot of potassium to my fluids...its a electrolight that is lost due to inflammation.

Hope everything works out.

Hugs,
Kelly

[robinh]

My Max had a bout of it about 3 years ago and we almost lost him. Not only did he have blood in the stool, he was vomiting blood. They think part of his had to do with all the steroids he had been given for his allergies. We put him in the emergency hospital for 24 hours and our vet's office for another 12 hours. I can't remember what all they gave him, but he did pull through it. It's pretty scary stuff.

[Giselle]

Thanks everybody!

The vet tested for giardia, fecal test, skin scraping (skin eruptions), and some other test that I forgot its name. All came back negative, so he thinks it's colitis. Colitis was brought up a while back by a different forum member, so I wasn't too surprised when he said this. He also said something about inflammation, but I didn't really understand as he does have a slight accent . We were sent home with flagyl, cephalexin, and a medicated shampoo for the skin problems.

Scooby4, I don't know if this bit of info will help but he's been living with us for six years and has been on one brand of food for about six months. He was acting rather lethargic for the few weeks of this month and so we kept him in the house and deck, which is void of all vegetation. He didn't eat anything at all that was out of the ordinary which is why I first ruled out food poisoning. His kibble is kept in the bag it was packaged in and is closed with a clip. As well, it stays in the kitchen cabinet, so I can't see what kind of fumes would denature the kibble (?).

Thanks again for all the info and experiences!

[dragondawg]

chemistry blood panel? HGE can be easily eliminated as it is characterized by a high hematocrit reading due to the decreased volume of blood. Immediate rehydration via IV is needed if a high hematocrit reading is detected.

Based on the prior lethargy you should also be paying attention to platlet levels, hematocrit, WBCs, calcium, and lactic acid levels. If any of these are askew then an ultrasound is in order.