My Basil, 7, has had 3 bouts with HGE in the last few years. Once a dog has the first episode, they tend to be susceptible. The first incident was the worst. His stomach was gurgling loudly and he had bad gas, so we knew something was wrong. We got him to the vet before the bloody diarrhea and vomiting started, but he had to stay for the day on IV antibiotics and fluids and came home on meds. The meds were Famotidine, another to coat his stomach and an antibiotic. My vet told me to always keep Pepcid on hand (20mg., cut into halves) and to give it to him at the first sign of stomach upset. The only way to accurately diagnose HGE for certain is an elevated level of a certain enzyme in their blood. The 2 times after that, I could hear his stomach start to gurgle loudly and his behavior just wasn't "right". He'd run around the room and not sit in the same place for more than a few seconds. I'd give him the Pepcid immediately and take him into the vet ASAP. He only needed sub-q fluids both times. I now keep Pepcid AND the stomach-coating med (my vet gave me extras), but I'm always vigilant about any out-of-the ordinary behavior.
__________________ Paulette, Mommy to Basil   |