Case
A 9-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever is presented with a 16-hour history of hemorrhagic diarrhea. Prior to arrival at the clinic, the dog had been quiet, refused food, vomited bile once, and produced a large volume of bloody diarrhea before collapsing at home. On physical examination, mental status is depressed (ie, dull), mucous membranes are tacky and pink, capillary refill time is prolonged, and skin elasticity is reduced. Thoracic auscultation reveals a heart rate of 140 bpm with no murmur detected. Abdominal palpation elicits mild discomfort, but no abnormal structures are felt. Rectal temperature is 101.6°F (38.7°C). Packed-cell volume is 61%. Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) is diagnosed.
Listen in as Clinician’s Brief: The Podcast covers typical presentations of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, expected hematologic changes, and why calling it HGE is a thing of the past.
What should you do if you suspect acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome but the pet owner declines further diagnostics due to financial concerns and requests conservative treatment and supportive care?
Quiz
Talking to clients about medications and sharing important information in a manner that is not overwhelming can be challenging. Learn the key points to discuss when dispensing buprenorphine.