Dear Dr. John,
I enjoy reading your column and have for many years. We just returned from the emergency hospital where our small mutt was admitted for something called HGE. Our dog did not get into anything over the holidays that we were aware of, but he may have been given a little beef tenderloin on Christmas Eve. Could that really make him sick enough to be hospitalized? We woke up yesterday to him having some vomiting and bloody diarrhea that got worse as the day went on. We were obviously concerned and tried giving him some hamburger and rice but to no avail. He was also a bit lethargic. Is this what is typically seen and what is the typical cause of HGE? We were told that he should make a full recovery after some IV fluids and antibiotics. Should we be concerned going forward into the new year? M.T.
Dear M.T.,
Good to hear that you got your dog in for treatment, and he will probably come home within a day or two at most. HGE is an acronym for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and it is primarily a descriptive term rather than an actual disease. It is more common in smaller dogs and the cause is often unknown but is often attributed to eating fatty foods, certain bacteria, and even stress or hyperactivity.
The treatment they are giving him is simply supportive care with intravenous fluids and antibiotics to restore proper hydration and prevent or stop any bacterial proliferation in his digestive system. Depending on the presentation, potassium may be supplemented short term, and he may be given agents to protect the lining of his gut and anti-nausea medication as well.
Given the holiday season, anything might have triggered your dog’s diarrhea, including the beef tenderloin. The presenting signs you observed were typical for this condition. Your dog will probably come home with an antibiotic, a probiotic, and a prescription bland diet, all to be given for a short time. I would not be too concerned going forward about any recurrence or complications and Happy New Year!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He can be reached at 781-899-9994.
