Yorkie Hemorrhagic Gastric Enteritis
Yorkshire Terrier HGE in Yorkies

HGE is particularly dangerous to Toy and smaller breed dogs. Any kind of bacterial diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a dog, and toy dogs are at greater risk of dehydration as they have little weight to lose. It may take two to ten days after exposure before signs of HGE are apparent. Symptoms start with vomiting, lethargy, refusal to eat, and progresses to mucous covered stools, loose stools, severe diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea. A culture should be done as soon as possible to determine the exact bacteria to be treated and which antibiotic to use. Until results are back, I would insist on some sort of treatment to hopefully help.

The blood count of affected dogs with HGE is frequently characterized by an elevated hematocrit (red blood cell count). Most normal dogs have hematocrits of 37-55%, while dogs with HGE may have hematocrits well above 60%. The elevated hematocrit provides the veterinarian with an important clue that the dog may have HGE.

Dogs with HGE will appear profoundly ill and, if left untreated, may die. In most cases, the disorder appears to run its course in a few days if the animal is given appropriate supportive care. Intravenous fluid therapy provides the cornerstone of therapy for HGE. Fluids given under the skin are not considered adequate to meet the significant fluid requirements of most dogs with HGE.

Diarrhea though can be caused by many issues from feeding them improperly to them getting into something themselves. If unsure of the cause of it, it's best to go to a veteriarian to have them check it out. It's not worth chancing your dog over dehydration.

Quite often new owners get puppies and change dog foods so frequently they can cause stomach and bowel disorders unknowingly so be careful about feeding what the breeder recommends.

Goldenray Yorkies Home	Yorkie Information


Copyright Protected © 1998 All Rights Reserved
Website Graphics Designed by Goldenray Yorkies