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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

It is a sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestine, marked by profuse diarrhea containing blood. The intestinal wall, which is very damaged, leaks large quantities of liquid towards the interior of the intestine. The dog becomes dehyd...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

It is a sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestine, marked by profuse diarrhea containing blood.

The intestinal wall, which is very damaged, leaks large quantities of liquid towards the interior of the intestine. The dog becomes dehydrated in just a few hours, sometimes before it even appears very ill.

It is this loss of fluid, more than the blood lost, that puts the animal's life in danger.

Key point

Abundant bloody diarrhea in a downed dog is an emergency: dehydration can become critical within a few hours, even in a dog that appeared normal the same morning.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Diarrhea Blood in stools Vomiting Dehydration Reduction Loss of appetite Pain Pale mucous membranes

Very abundant liquid diarrhea, dark red, with a characteristic odor, often compared to raspberry jam.

Frequent vomiting, sometimes tinged with blood.

Marked depression, dog who no longer wants to move.

Complete refusal of food.

Signs of dehydration: sticky gums, sunken eyes, skin that remains wrinkled when pinched.

Stomach pain, dog whines when touched or assumes a praying position.

In advanced forms, pale gums, cold extremities, extreme weakness.

The onset is often very sudden: a dog in great shape in the morning can be seriously affected in the evening.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The exact origin is not always found. Damage to the intestinal wall by bacteria of the Clostridium genus and their toxins is today the best documented explanation.

Other causes of acute bloody diarrhea must be ruled out: viral infections such as parvovirus in young dogs, intestinal parasites, ingestion of spoiled food or a toxic substance, foreign body, pancreatitis.

An exaggerated reaction of the intestine to certain food components is also mentioned.

Small and medium-sized dogs seem to be affected more often, especially toy breeds.

Young to middle-aged adult dogs are the most represented.

Stress, sudden change in diet, ingestion of waste or table scraps.

A dog that is not dewormed or not vaccinated should give priority to another cause, parasitic or viral.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The consultation must be rapid: profuse bloody diarrhea in a downed dog is not observed at home.

The veterinarian first assesses the state of dehydration and circulation.

A blood test often reveals an abnormal blood concentration, a direct consequence of fluid loss: this is a key element in recognizing this syndrome.

Additional examinations are mainly used to rule out other causes: search for parvovirus in young dogs, analysis of stools for parasites, imaging of the abdomen if a foreign body or obstruction is possible.

Treatment

The treatment is primarily based on infusion: replacing the lost fluid is the lifesaving action.

The dog is generally hospitalized until the losses stabilize.

Medicines for vomiting and pain are administered by the veterinarian.

An antibiotic is not systematic: it is reserved for dogs which show signs of generalized infection, by veterinary decision.

Refeeding is resumed early, with a digestible food given in small, divided quantities.

No human medicine for diarrhea should be given on its own: many are toxic to the dog and some make the situation worse.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Avoid sudden changes in diet: any transition takes place over several days.

Do not give table scraps, cooked bones or spoiled food.

Prevent the dog from going through trash cans and picking up trash during walks.

Maintain up-to-date vaccinations and deworming, which rule out the most serious infectious causes of bloody diarrhea.

Limit sources of stress during environmental changes.

Possible complications

Severe dehydration then shock, which can occur within a few hours.

Kidney damage due to lack of irrigation.

Passage of bacteria from the intestine to the blood, with generalized infection.

Coagulation disorders in severe forms.

Recurrences in certain dogs, which then justify the search for an underlying chronic digestive disease.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog has diarrhea containing blood: consult the same day.

The diarrhea is abundant and is accompanied by repeated vomiting.

He is depressed, refuses to drink, or drinks and then immediately vomits.

His skin remains wrinkled when you pinch him, his gums are dry or pale.

It is a puppy, an elderly dog or a small dog: the safety period is even shorter.

No improvement in a few hours despite a diet.

Prognosis

If treated early and properly perfused, an affected dog most often recovers within a few days.

The prognosis becomes guarded when dehydration has been allowed to set in or widespread infection develops.

Some dogs have repeated episodes: a more in-depth digestive assessment is then indicated.

Frequently asked questions

Does blood in stool always mean serious illness?

No, a few traces of red blood can accompany a simple irritation of the large intestine. On the other hand, abundant, clearly bloody diarrhea in a slaughtered dog requires rapid consultation.

Can I put my dog on a diet and wait?

A short diet may be appropriate for mild diarrhea in a healthy dog. As soon as there is blood, vomiting or depression, we consult without delay.

Is it contagious to my other dogs or to me?

This syndrome is not considered contagious. But some causes of bloody diarrhea, such as parvovirus, occur between dogs: this is another reason to have a diagnosis made.

Should you give an antibiotic from the start?

No. Infusion is the essential treatment. The antibiotic is only useful in forms with signs of generalized infection, and this decision rests with the veterinarian.