Therapy Protocols for Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome in a Dog with Dr. Thevelein
Britt Thevelein, DVM, DACVECC, University of Georgia
In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with Britt Thevelein, DVM, DACVECC, about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Therapy Protocols for Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome in a Dog.” Dr. Thevelein covers typical presentations, expected hematologic changes, and why calling it “HGE” is a thing of the past. She also emphasizes that fluid therapy is the most important aspect of treatment and explains why metronidazole can be considered almost entirely unnecessary.
Key Takeaways
Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome has replaced the term “hemorrhagic gastroenteritis” (HGE) because evidence has shown a lack of gastritis lesions.
Clostridial toxins are suspected as the cause of AHDS.
Dogs with AHDS will have high-normal to elevated PCVs but normal to low total protein.
Aggressive fluid therapy is the mainstay of treatment.
Antibiotics are NOT routinely necessary; when used, they should be broad-spectrum to address the risk of sepsis from bacterial translocation.
About Our Guest
Britt Thevelein, DVM, DACVECC, is an assistant professor at University of Georgia, where she also completed an emergency specialty internship and a residency in small animal emergency and critical care. Dr. Thevelein earned her DVM and completed a rotating internship at University of Ghent in Belgium.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist