Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a disease of dogs characterized by sudden vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The symptoms are usually severe, and HGE can be fatal if not treated. HGE is most common in young adult dogs of any breed, but especially small dogs such as the Toy Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer. It is not contagious.
This disease is a potentially life-threatening intestinal condition of dogs that manifests as sudden onset of bloody, watery diarrhea in an otherwise normal, healthy dog. It is extremely dehydrating, much more than might be expected from the amount of diarrhea. Stress and hyperactivity seem to be predisposing factors.
Diarrhea in dogs can occur for a number of reasons. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) is a particularly serious form of diarrhea that causes massive fluid, protein, and electrolyte loss over a very short period of time.
Most common symptoms are continuous vomiting and diarrhoea. Other symptoms include
Lethargy
Listlessness
Anorexia
Weight loss
Fluid loss
Electrolyte imbalance
Dehydration
Hemoconcentration
Hypovolemic shock