Dear Dr. John,
I take pleasure in studying your column and have for a few years. We simply returned from the emergency hospital the place our small mutt was admitted for one thing known as HGE. Our canine didn’t get into something over the vacations that we had been conscious of, however he might have been given a little bit beef tenderloin on Christmas Eve. Could that actually make him sick sufficient to be hospitalized? We awoke yesterday to him having some vomiting and bloody diarrhea that bought 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 often seen and what’s the typical explanation for HGE? We had been instructed 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 bought your canine in for therapy, and he’ll most likely come dwelling inside a day or two at most. HGE is an acronym for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and it’s primarily a descriptive time period moderately than an precise illness. It is extra frequent in smaller canines and the trigger is commonly unknown however is commonly attributed to consuming fatty meals, sure micro organism, and even stress or hyperactivity.
The therapy 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 quick time period, and he could also be given brokers to guard the liner of his intestine and anti-nausea remedy as effectively.
Given the vacation season, something might 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 dwelling with an antibiotic, a probiotic, and a prescription bland weight loss program, 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 could be reached at 781-899-9994.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”