Pet owners are being warned to look out for a potentially fatal condition which left a dog fighting for its life.
Dog Archie spent three days at Barn Lodge Veterinary Hospital in Ormskirk after being struck down by hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, known as HGE for short.
HGE is a gastrointestinal disease that causes bloody diarrhoea in dogs, accompanied by severe vomiting.
READ MORE: Shopper 'mocked' by Home Bargains staff wins victory
It is not known what causes the condition but it can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated, as it progresses to low blood sugar levels, severe dehydration and even sepsis.
Archie's owner took to Facebook to warn other dog owners in Merseyside, Lancashire, and the surrounding areas to watch out for signs of the disease.
She said: "Archie has spent the last two nights/three days in Barn Lodge Hospital, in Ormskirk, on an intravenous drip for HGE (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis)….it was touch and go for a while but we luckily got him to the hospital just in time.
"Please keep a look out for any symptoms in your dogs; vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, listlessness, no appetite etc.
"They can be fine one day, decline the next and be gone the day after - it’s that sudden!"
She added that Archie had been vaccinated against Parvovirus before he fell ill with the condition.
Symptoms of HGE include:
- sudden onset of bloody diarrhoea
- vomiting
- lack of appetite
- stomach pain
- tiredness
- dehydration
- fever
- collapse
Although HGE can be seen in dogs of all ages and breeds, it is more often seen in certain breeds including small dogs such as Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers and miniature poodles.
Earlier this month, Medivet in Alder Veterinary Hospital reported a 'severe and worrying increase' in pets being admitted to their hospital with severe haemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Sharing their concern online, they explained: "We have not been able to determine any distinct patterns in the cases we are treating - such as location of same dog walking area.
"Some patients are young, some old, some vaccinated and some not."
The vets added: "The patients we have seen so far, have gone downhill quite rapidly and require immediate medical attention.
"This is a serious condition and sadly, we have seen fatalities . If you suspect your dog is poorly, please seek veterinary attention."
