Dog with HGE

Question
I know that this isn't your area of expertise, however I just wanted a second opinion because I'm very worried about my dog. I have a three year old lab mix and he has had explosive diarrhea for the last few days. After feeding him chicken and rice did not yield any changes and I began seeing blood in his stool this morning I brought him to the vet. The vet diagnosed him with HGE and sent him home with two prescriptions (Centrine and Metronidazole), told me to continue feeding him chicken and rice and to bring him in if anything changes.
I had never heard of HGE so I have been doing some research and it seems very scary. Everything I have read says that it is extremely severe and that pets often require immediate hospitalization or the disease can be fatal. My dog has no other signs other than the bloody diarrhea, he has not been lethargic or dehydrated and he has had a normal appetite. From what I have read on the internet the disease can become very severe very rapidly with little warning.
Although I trust my vet's opinion, because of the apparent severity associated with this condition, and the rapidity which it can change... are the prescribed medications alone sufficient treatment? Is there anything else I can do to keep it from worsening? Is this disease always as severe as the internet makes it sound, or am I just worrying too much?



P.S. Also, I know that the exact cause of HGE is unknown, however, I know that it can be associated with diet. I have been having trouble finding a good dog food that is not terribly expensive as I am a college student with very little funds. Upon his recovery I would like to gradually switch his dog food to something that may be better for him (he's been eating Pedigree..) and wonder if you may have any recommendations.

Answer
Well as you know, hemorrhagic gastro=enteritis is a lot like parvo but without the virus. It can be fatal but for different reasons.

Fluids, antibiotics and monitoring are extremely important to keep your dog hydrated and from becoming worse. Because this doesn't have the viral component, it is not quite as scary as Parvo-virus can be.

A bland diet such as the chicken and rice, the antibiotics and the Centrine will help. Since he has an appetite your vet felt safe sending him home without fluid therapy. If he had been dehydrated at all he would have given him fluids then.

Don't believe everything you read online. If it's from a reputable veterinary site that's one thing, but remember that even veterinary information changes. Make sure the site is one that is current and is updated monthly. You can usually find this information at the bottom of most websites.

As far as diet goes, get your dog on Science Diet. While one bag costs more up front it will last you longer when fed properly because the way it's made assures optimal nutrition and provides all the nutrients that your dog needs in lesser amounts, so it's nutrient dense. This means it takes less food for your dog to meet his energy needs resulting in the food lasting you longer and being healthier for your dog.

I have proven this to hundreds of people over the years. Take the three bag challenge from Hills and get a lot of coupons to help you with the cost. Once you start feeding it, measure it with an 8 oz measuring cup and feed according to the bag's instructions to make it last.

It takes about 3 weeks for the food to really take over his system and his appetite will seem to diminish at that point. What this means is that he is being satiated with less food. You feel much more full after eating a steak then you would a bag of saltine crackers- so it is with Science Diet.

I fed my pets Science Diet all through college as well- and spent less money then others I knew that were feeding so-called cheaper foods.

You get what you pay for and your dog will either suffer or thrive. Bad diets are a common cause of what he has now due the lack of control over the production of cheap foods like Pedigree.

So please let me know how he does.
To see what it can do for your dog click here:

http://www.feedingisbelieving.com/believe/home.html