Acute haemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) is a common disease that is characterized by bloody diarrhea, vomiting and a poor appetite. This condition occurs suddenly. It is common in small dog breeds such as the Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingese, Maltese Poodle as examples. Any sized dog can develop AHDS.
There is no definite known cause for this disease but a few possible theories have been brought forward. Bacterial overgrowth (Clostridium perfringes), stress, dietary indiscretion and hypersensitivities are thought to be contributing factors.
AHDS is diagnosed when your pet has a very elevated packed cell volume (PCV). This test determines how dehydrated your pet is. AHDS causes significant dehydration from profuse vomiting and diarrhea.
A number of other disease can mimic AHDS. Therefore, your vet may want to rule out these other causes and diseases by running tests such as an Idexx Chem 10, serum electrolytes, faecal float, parvo snap, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound etc. These tests will be run especially if your pet has recurrent bouts of AHDS.
The treatment for AHDS is mainly supportive. It revolves around aggressive intravenous fluid therapy with a drip. Antinausea treatment and anti-diarrhea medication are important to give. Should other complicating causes be found such as hookworm, then your pet may receive additional medication that is catered to their condition. Antibiotics are not indicated for this condition and do not show benefit in shortening the treatment course. Antibiotics are given at the discretion of the veterinarian.
Most pets are better within 48-72 hours but every individual patient is different. Thus, daily monitoring is needed, preferably in a 24 hour hospital.
Without early and urgent intervention, these patients can become very critical and some may even pass away.
Recovery is usually complete with no long term implications , but some pets can have repeat bouts in the future.