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Fatty meals will be one explanation for HGE. (Getty Images)
Dear Dr. John,
I take pleasure in studying your column and have for a lot of years. We simply returned from the emergency hospital the place our small mutt was admitted for one thing referred to as HGE. Our canine didn’t get into something over the vacations that we had been conscious of, however he could have been given a little bit beef tenderloin on Christmas Eve. Could that basically make him sick sufficient to be hospitalized? We awoke yesterday to him having some vomiting and bloody diarrhea that received worse because the day went on. We had been clearly involved and tried giving him some hamburger and rice however to no avail. He was additionally a bit torpid. Is this what is usually seen and what’s the typical explanation for HGE? We had been informed that he ought to make a full restoration after some IV fluids and antibiotics. Should we be involved going ahead into the brand new 12 months? M.T.
Dear M.T.,
Good to listen to that you simply received your canine in for remedy, and he’ll most likely come home inside a day or two at most. HGE is an acronym for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and it’s primarily a descriptive time period somewhat than an precise illness. It is extra widespread in smaller dogs and the trigger is usually unknown however is usually attributed to consuming fatty meals, sure micro organism, and even stress or hyperactivity.
The remedy they’re giving him is solely supportive care with intravenous fluids and antibiotics to revive correct hydration and forestall or cease any bacterial proliferation in his digestive system. Depending on the presentation, potassium could also be supplemented brief time period, and he could also be given brokers to guard the liner of his intestine and anti-nausea medicine as nicely.
Given the vacation season, something may need triggered your canine’s diarrhea, together with the meat tenderloin. The presenting indicators you noticed had been typical for this situation. Your canine will most likely come home with an antibiotic, a probiotic, and a prescription bland eating regimen, all to be given for a short while. I might not be too involved going ahead about any recurrence or issues and Happy New Year!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He will be reached at 781-899-9994.
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