Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a severe type of stomach upset that can happen to dogs. It can be fatal without immediate veterinary treatment. 90% of dogs recover after hospitalisation at the vets, usually within 2-3 days.

The name of this condition has recently been changed to acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome. Sudden, severe dehydration is the main problem. Any dog can suffer from this syndrome, but it’s most common in middle-aged and small breed dogs. The cause is not clear and several possibilities are being studied. There are many other possible causes of diarrhoea with blood. Speak to a vet straight away if your dog has explosive diarrhoea with blood or is quickly becoming unwell.

Overview

What is haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs?

Damage to the gut wall causes water, electrolytes and sometimes protein to leak from the blood into the gut
This causes severe diarrhoea and rapid dehydration
A bacteria called Clostridium perfringens has been detected in the damaged gut wall of some dogs. But this is also present in many healthy dogs and the role it plays is unclear
The dog’s condition will worsen quickly and become life threatening in as little as 12 hours

If your dog has explosive diarrhoea with blood or is quickly becoming unwell, speak to a vet straight away. Advice is available in the Joii app 24/7.

Symptoms

Symptoms of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

Vomiting is common and may be the first symptom
Severe watery diarrhoea quickly follows
Blood in poo will usually be present in significant amounts, often with a jelly appearance (like raspberry or strawberry jam)
Lack of energy progresses quickly
Gums may become dry and pale
Tummy pain (causing things like abnormal stretching or standing with an arched back)
Skin may lose elasticity and stay up when gently pinched
Heart rate may increase
Weakness
Loss of appetite

Risk

Dogs at higher risk of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis

More common in middle-age and toy breed dogs
May be more common in dogs that have frequent tummy issues
Some breeds appear to be more commonly affected:
- Yorkshire terrier
- Miniature pinscher
- Miniature schnauzer
- Miniature poodle
- Maltese
About 10% of dogs will have more than one episode of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

There is no specific test for this condition, but a blood test will typically show very concentrated blood.

Tests may be needed to rule out other causes of diarrhoea with blood:

Parvovirus, especially in young or unvaccinated dogs
Other infections, such as salmonella or campylobacter
Toxins
Intestinal ulcers
Intestinal obstruction or intussusception
Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s disease

Such tests may include:

Vet treatment

Vet treatment of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

Your dog will need to see a vet straight away and be put on a drip (intravenous fluids) to correct the severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. They may need to be hospitalised for several days. Other treatments may also be needed:

Anti-vomiting medication
Pain medication
If a fever or signs of blood infection are present, antibiotics will be needed
Rarely, a blood or plasma transfusion may be needed

Home treatment

Home treatment of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a true emergency and needs veterinary treatment straight away. Once the worst part is over (usually 48-72 hours), it may take a few days for your dog’s digestive system to recover. This may be helped by:

Small, frequent meals and an easy to digest diet for a few days. Chicken/white fish and white rice can help in many cases, and special foods are available to boost the healing of the gut.
Good bacteria (probiotics) and their food (prebiotics) will help the gut function return to normal.

Once the gut function is back to normal, it is worth considering providing a high-fibre diet and long-term probiotic supplementation, as this may reduce the numbers of Clostridium bacteria (this is thought to be one of the causes of this condition).

Prevention

Can haemorrhagic gastroenteritis be prevented in dogs? Can my family catch it?

Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis is not known to be able to pass to other dogs or people.

At the moment, there is no established way of preventing this disease, but this may change as we learn more. Things that promote good gut health are likely to help: