Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis treatment for Doug

Doug’s family bought him to hospital as he had been vomiting and feeling nauseous. The veterinarian did a full examination and diagnosed he had haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This is quite common and happens when the stomach and intestines become very inflamed.

This little sausage dog needed to stay in hospital to get well again. His treatment plan included supportive care including a combination of IV fluids and antibiotics. Doug steadily improved as the electrolytes and minerals such as sodium, potassium and chloride were restored. Gradually the nausea, diarrhea and vomiting subsided as the medications improved his well-being.

Signs of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs are:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Sudden, explosive and severe bloody diarrhea

Causes of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis are:

• Unknown
• Autoimmune
• Allergic
• Infection.  Bacterial cultures of some dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis yield mostly pure cultures of a bacteria, Clostridium
  perfringens type A, and its related intestinal poison (known as an “enterotoxin”); increasing evidence to support
  enterotoxin-related disease

Pets suspected of having acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis will be hospitalised and treated very proactively. This is because dogs with this condition have been known to rapidly deteriorate with fatal outcomes.

Doug happily left with a combination of medicines and under instruction for a bland, low-fat, low-fiber diet for several days before returning to his normal food.

Should you notice that your dog has sudden and explosive bloody diarrhoea and unexpectedly vomiting please see a vet as soon as possible as this is a serious condition. Recovery is  immediate treatment. Early and urgent care increases the likelihood of successful treatment.