gastroenteritis in dogs treatment cost

Once the diagnostic tests are complete and other causes of the clinical signs have been eliminated, treatment will be prescribed. On Thursday she started vomiting and having diarrhea, salivating and walking as if she were drunk. Severe pancreatiti The average cost of dog training is $30 to $80 per class with most spending about $50 per hour. Oh and I read that pumpkin is high in Vit A and too much can cause toxicity problems in dogs, if that's true it just goes to show you "everything in moderation" are words to live by. In most cases, gastroenteritis can be treated at home with remedies such as fasting, dietary changes, and nutritional supplements. After obtaining the medical history, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is the infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Many owners will observe dry heaving or gagging after their dog eats or drinks. In the United States gastroenteritis as a whole is believed to result in costs of US$23 billion per year with that due to rotavirus alone resulting in estimated costs of US$1 billion a year. In . An xray or ultrasound might provide some answers and show if an organ is enlarged or if there is an abnormal mass or malignancy. 90, 91 Although 1 study documented increased body weight and maintenance of white blood cell counts in oseltamivir-treated animals, 90 neither study documented a decrease in . Your dog's temperature and other vital signs (heart rate and respiratory rate) will be recorded. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Her energy levels have increased and she is wagging her tail and moving around on her own accord. It typically affects young to middle-aged, small breed dogs, and its clinical course usually includes a peracute onset of clinical signs that can progress rapidly to death without appropriate therapy. Gastroenteritis is a diagnosis of exclusion. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal. Untreated, HGE can quickly be life threatening as . Causes of Gastroenteritis in Dogs. Treatment. Treatment of gastroenteritis in dogs will depend on the cause of your pet's diarrhea. If you see blood in your dog's stool or vomit, don't wait. The treatment for this condition in dogs actually will be based on the observation gathered by your vet. 8 am and she went out to pee, no problems with wobbly legs, came inside and drank her water. Symptoms of gastroenteritis in dogs include: The main reason for the condition is often unknown but possible causes include: Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes containing blood, are the most common signs of the condition but your dog may also show other signs such as pain around their abdomen, lack of appetite, weakness and depression. The two drugs in combination do a better job of getting rid of cysts. As EC has stated, gastroenteritis is a term used widely in vet care and I'm sure Burly was attacked by more than just stomach inflammation so if your dog does develop these symptoms it is best, in my opinion, to treat the illnesses as a whole. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2016; 26: 488-494. An Appalling Symptom That Is a Blessing in Disguise - http://www.petmd.com/blogs/ fullyvetted/2013/march/hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-hge-in-dogs-29938 Gastroenteritis is a term used to describe the inflammation of the stomach/intestines and it usually causes vomiting and diarrhoea. While you may not think of your beloved pet developing digestive issues, the reality is animals are just as likely as humans to develop gastrointestinal upset. Early recognition and treatment are the cornerstones to returning your dog to his normal healthy state as quickly as possible. Most dogs with gastroenteritis will have intermittent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. The condition often causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomitin­­­g, and/or other clinical signs. One of the initial steps involves putting your pet on a fasting diet to allow the gut to calm and to prevent any additional toxic materials from entering. 1 Worldwide, 3-5 billion cases of acute gastroenteritis and nearly 2 million deaths occur each year in children under 5 years. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. Stress colitis is one of the leading causes of colitis in dogs.Treatment with a simple change in diet and medication to resolve the inflammation or infection in the colon is all that is required for most dogs.The majority of dogs experiencing stress colitis are back to normal within three to five days. Please contact your local veterinary practice for advice or treatment immediately if you are worried about your pet’s health — even if they are closed, they will always have an out-of-hours service available. Peritonitis may be short or longterm, localized or widespread. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): Consists of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and azotemia associated with gastroenteritis has been reported in dogs. Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem and your vet will be able to decide on the best treatment after examining your pet. . The exact cause of AHDS remains unknown. Cause In fact, canine gastroenteritis is one of the most alarming forms of disease to which dogs are predisposed. We waited it out for about 4 days to see how she was feeling but I knew if I saw blood in any stool or urine she was going to be rushed to the vet. If hospitalized for a few days, the costs can approximate $1500-2500. Burly is still tired and wont eat but hopefully once her GI tract is on track things will be looking up for her. The usual cost of treatment, depending on your vet's findings can range from $500 to $1,500. Dehydration can occur quickly if the vomiting and diarrhea persists for more than twenty-four hours. Sending healing prayers for a recovery for Burly! Dogs can get an upset stomach when they're stressed or anxious. With aggressive treatment, the outcome is typically good, as the majority of dogs with HGE make a full recovery. Call the Pet Poison Helpline immediately at (855) 765-7661 if you fear your dog may have consumed a toxic poison. Most cases of acute gastroenteritis improve rapidly after rehydration. A fever with HGE is uncommon. Thank you for your suggestions, I am going to try them. Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. How old is Burly? Symptoms of HGE usually last 2-4 days and most dogs make a good recovery if they recieve veterinary treatment quickly. The oil helps lubricate the colon and can also relieve constipation. Treatment of Gastroenteritis in Dogs. Acute gastroenteritis comes on suddenly. Fasting and dietary changes as well as specific nutritional supplements like canned pumpkin are a few of the most effective treatment options for dog gastroenteritis. One of the most characteristic symptoms of the condition is what is sometimes called “raspberry jam diarrhea.” The feces actually appears somewhat the same consistency and color as raspberry jam – the red color being blood indicating intestinal inflammation. In many cases, gastroenteritis in dogs often resolves within a few days but this depends on the underlying cause. The drug prescribed - Apometronidazole/Flagyl - sounds right on; the lack of recovery does not. Your vet can recommend a good brand supplement, or some pet owners have even had success using low fat, active culture yogurt with no artificial sweeteners or colors in a dose of 1-2 teaspoons twice a day. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a condition in dogs that produces explosive, bloody diarrhea. You may also want to consider treating your pet with probiotics. Video chat with our vet seven days a week, from 8am to 11pm. References: The principal treatment of gastroenteritis is rehydration and restoration of blood electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, and/or chloride). Tumors of the intestinal epithelial lining include non-cancerous polyps, benign adenomas and malignant epithelial tumors (adenocarcinomas). The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. This needs urgent treatment from your vet. Select drug class All drug classes tetracyclines (7) viral vaccines (3) third generation cephalosporins (1) 5HT3 receptor antagonists (3) aminopenicillins (1) miscellaneous antimalarials (7) Rx. Gastrointestinal protectants used to prevent stomach ulcers, for example famotidine (brand name Pepcid®) or ranitidine (brand name Zantac®). Gastroenteritis is a diagnosis of exclusion. Antidiarrheal drugs may be used to alter intestinal motility (activity) after intestinal obstruction or other mechanical and anatomical issues have been ruled-out. Design: Prospective, randomized study. If your dog is suffering from severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea this could be a sign of a condition known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis which can be fatal if left untreated. The prognosis for HGE in dogs is generally good as long as treatment is early, appropriate and aggressive. Technically, gastroenteritis is defined as inflammation of the stomach and small intestines, but when it comes down to it, the term is often used to describe a variety of intestinal issues that create for a rather unhealthy pet (and often an unhappy pet owner). Muscle (called smooth muscle) and fibrous connective tissues form the framework (stroma) that holds other tissues together within the organs of the body. Flagyl *can* in some cases take a week /10 days to work and for those stubborn cases it means stuffing the pill down a reluctant dog's throat. Some of the more common conditions that your veterinarian will attempt to eliminate during the diagnostic workup include: This is only a partial list of some of the more serious conditions that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. English Etymology. Gastroenteritis in dogs refers to the inflammation of a dog’s stomach and intestines, typically resulting in recurrent bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Most dogs affected with gastroenteritis will appear less active (lethargic) and have a decreased appetite. The cost of treatment was significantly less for the OES group than for the IV treated group. 67-69 . Most commonly it occurs due to contamination of the peritoneal cavity. She used to eat everything and anything that was edible but now she is very picky and we are having a hard time finding food that she will accept, this too is most likely from the condition and will improve once her stomach settles down. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs (or HGE in dogs) is a disorder marked by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Of course, if you haven't enrolled your dog in a pet insurance policy and your pup has already exhibited symptoms of gastroenteritis, then it will not be covered in the future should you decide to sign up for a policy. If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke. In either case, this disease is not usually fatal to dogs when proper treatment is provided. It made up almost 10% of the claims we received and the average cost of treatment was £327.The most expensive claim we paid was over £4,000 for a Bolognese that was suffering from vomiting. Signs of Cancer in Dogs. There is no requirement of a specific antiviral drug. 2 In the United States, gastroenteritis accounts for about ∼10% (220 000) of admissions to hospital, more than 1.5 . If your dog is dehydrated they may be given fluids through an intravenous drip. And what did the vet prescribe that you were so hesitant to give? Canine Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis. Here's what dog owners must know about treatment and survival. It can also help with constipation. They may also decide to carry out further tests such as blood tests, urinalysis and x-rays, among others. Dogs with HGE are severely ill and the condition can be fatal. Helping your dog get the vitamins and minerals they need is important for boosting the immune system( we have added some probiotics to the recipe above to giver her gut flora a boost). Typically, veterinarians will recommend switching dogs with chronic . Pay attention to the symptoms of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs, especially vomiting and diarrhea (either at once or alternating consistently). Do you think the pumpkin would have cured your dog without seeing the vet? Patterns of stooling vary widely in young children, and diarrhoea represents a change from the norm. 4, 60, 61 The prevalence of Salmonella in diarrheic dogs and cats ranges from 0 to 3.5% 4, 62-64 and from 0 to 8.6%, respectively, 62, 65, 66 whereas the prevalence range for Salmonella in stray or shelter dogs and cats is 0-51.4%. If you share your home with a dog that suffers from arthritis or a degenerative joint disease, the cost of their treatment could be as much as £370; If you have a larger dog that's prone to suffer from bloat or gastroenteritis, the bill for their treatment can set you back in the region of £480 Dog gastroenteritis is typically one of those conditions that can be largely redirected or managed if it is caught early enough, so knowing your pet's normal habits and affect is important to help you detect abnormalities. Some key information in your dog's medical history includes: Your veterinary health team may have you fill in a questionnaire prior to your visit. Since your dog loses fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, rehydration is vital, as is proper maintenance of blood electrolyte balance. The cost will depend on the treatment: if the dog is treated as an outpatient, the cost will be around $500-1000, but if they're hospitalized for several days, the cost can reach upwards of $1500-2500. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, often abbreviated HGE, is a fancy way of describing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that results in bloody diarrhea. In fact, a dog can go through successful treatment and seem to be out of danger, when suddenly the heart stops. Objective: To compare 2 treatment protocols (standard in-hospital versus modified outpatient) in affecting the duration of treatment or survival of dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Parvo Treatment - FAQ's. Even though Canine Parvovirus is highly contagious and often deadly, dogs can and do survive parvo. Since rotavirus disease can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, it can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids). Thank you everyone for helping my pooch out, I will update in a few days. Whether or not they will depends on the dog's overall health and how early she receives treatment and begins a recovery plan.. A standard treatment plan will include fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea medicines, antacids, probiotics, vitamins, and electrolyte supplement. We hope that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Chronic gastroenteritis occurs over the course of weeks, months or even years. Peritonitis is inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). 1. Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm. Small, frequent feedings of a highly digestible, low fat diet are generally prescribed. It is a serious and often fatal condition in dogs, with mortality ranging from 50% to 70%. According to the Association of British Insurers the average pet insurance claim in 2020 was £817. ; Vomiting is the biggest sign — Vomiting, black stool, and lethargy are all signs that your dog may have a case of gastritis. Find your nearest clinic for immediate treatment. Your vet may advise you on how to care for your pet at home or they may have to stay in the clinic if their condition is severe. If gastroenteritis is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney failure or cancer, your vet will be able to discuss the best course of treatment with you. (and vets hands). Evaluation of the safety and tolerability of rivaroxaban in dogs with presumed primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Treatment Cost; Fever of unknown origin and pneumonia: Required emergency surgery and hospitalization: $8,294: Ingestion of foreign body: Required surgery on cat to remove a swallowed hair pin: $2,964: Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) Required surgery to turn the stomach back to normal and staple it to the wall of chest: $3,525: Parvo . AHDS can affect any breed, age, size, or gender of dog, but it is most common in small- and toy-breed dogs. Drugs used to treat Gastroenteritis. Peritonitis in Dogs. 2. The polyps and adenomas may be multiple and cause local obstruction. Copyright © 1999 - Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), or Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), is an often sudden occurrence of bloody diarrhea or bloody vomiting in dogs. Any recent exposure to pesticides, medications, cleaning agents, or any other new materials in your home environment. Stomach issues are amongst the most common pet insurance claims for cats and dogs, and more than 92% of pets will experience an emergency once in . HGE can be fatal in dogs with delayed treatment, small-breed dogs, or those with secondary, underlying health conditions. The total HGE treatment cost $5,620." Beside above, is HGE in dogs painful? Despite its fancy name, know that HGE can result in severe clinical signs. Shortening. Your vet will typically examine your pet and ask you questions in order to identify the cause of the problem and rule out more serious conditions. Average Cost. Typical costs for the Addison's disease diagnosis usually range between $500 and $1,500. If your pet needs intensive care during the diagnostic process, the bills will be much higher. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Rehydration therapy with an OES was effective and safe in dogs with mild to moderate dehydration associated with hemorrhagic diarrhea. HGE can come on suddenly in otherwise healthy dogs, leading pet owners to wonder the mysterious cause behind their dogs acute illness. Any recent exposure to a new animal or person. Normally giardia responds very quickly to flagyl so this was very strange, so must have been an individual thing. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33: 1141-1172. Gastroenteritis in Dogs - http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/gastroenteritis-in-dogs/1015 Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) (also known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis [ HGE ]) is an acute (sudden) disorder of dogs characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'. It can be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, medications, or even new foods. The most common claim we received last year was for digestive upset. Gastroenteritis is a general term for a stomach and gut upsets with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and gut pain. It has been a few days since the incident and she is on the mend. ACVIM consensus statement on the treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs. We’re here to help…, Dogs eating something they shouldn’t, such as spoilt food or non-food items, Viruses or bacteria (such as parvovirus or distemper). Gastroenteritis in dogs can have many potential causes. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs - http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/12_7/features/Dog_16136-1.html. Treatment Options. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) is an intestinal condition shown as a sudden onset of bloody diarrhea. Cost of treatment The cost to treat cases of gastroenteritis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Even in the mildest case of bloat, which is extremely rare, dogs die without . Food is often withheld during the initial stages of treatment for 24-48 hours and then slowly reintroduced. Noun. parvo (uncountable) (informal) parvovirus1980, Business Week Inoculating a dog against parvo costs about $7 to $15 for the shot, depending on your area and choice of veterinarian. Gastritis is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. Gastroenteritis in dogs. Digestive upset. In any case, though, a veterinarian can help you determine the diagnosis and severity of your pet’s condition and suggest treatment options. Cost to Treat Intestinal Blockages in Dogs The cost to treat obstructions in dogs will range depending on your geographic location and the severity of the blockage. If treated as an outpatient, the cost is around $500-1000. Vets will recommend a complete clean-up of the dog to reduce any parasite eggs. Acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (AHDS) (also known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis [HGE]), is an acute disorder of dogs characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Specialists suspect it's caused by a nasty bacteria that attacks the lining of the guts. Mild cases may be treated for less than $400 while severe cases requiring hospitalization, intensive care and/or surgery may cost $3000 or more. By no means is she 100% but I think this condition hit her very hard. See handout “Diarrhea Questionnaire and Checklist for Dogs” for an example. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. Your dog's current diet, how much you feed and how often you feed your dog. It is so frustrating to have no where eles to turn, we just don't know what more to do for her at this point, we honestly thought she wouldn't make it today but we are trying to be positive. Begin by feeding your dog 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree 2 times a day. Wash all your dog's toys, bedding, and bowls in . Conclusions and clinical relevance: Rehydration therapy with an OES was effective and safe in dogs with mild to moderate dehydration associated with hemorrhagic diarrhea. Peritonitis may be short or longterm, localized or widespread. © Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. Vets are warning pet owners across the UK to take extra care after a harmful virus has been spotted in some dogs.. Everything your dog ate or drank within the past 48 hours. bit.ly/3ChLgn5. The condition often causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or other clinical signs. At times, it is a reaction to new food beings introduced to a dog diet or medications. She was drinking better but the wobbly legs game and went in spells. This is what I found anyways, my worrying and stressing was caused by my need to control the situation even when I had already done everything I could. Antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole, ampicillin) may be administered if the clinical signs are severe or if diagnostic tests suggest a bacterial infection. Many dogs will be tender when picked up around the abdomen or will resist handling of the stomach and hindquarters. There are many causes of the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Characteristically, there will be large volumes of diarrhea produced several times a day. They enable these organs to contract and stretch as part of their function, for example in digestion of food. Generally, we like to "rest their gut" for about 24 hours. Our emergency vets, vet nurses and support staff are all encouraged to provide insightful, evidence-based advice and content for our website. I am baffled but I suppose if it is gastroenteritis there are so many factors to an issue like that, that I will probably never wrap my head around it and if the bacteria that causes it are messing with poor Burly's body then no poop for 4 days could be a side effect? Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a condition that causes vomiting and diarrhoea that contains blood. 10 am I dozed off and when I woke up and found a great big stinking pile of poop in my living room! Treatment for gastroenteritis focuses on keeping your dog comfortable and hydrated whilst they recover. Dogs who experience HGE are more prone to HGE in the future as well. Any who, here's for pumpkin puree! Registered office address-C/O Pinsent Masons Llp, 13 Queens Road, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB15 4YLVets Now, Vets Now Emergency, your pet emergency service and associated devices are the trademark of Vets Now Group Ltd. © 2020 Vets Now Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Aside from being extremely worrying, this can be very costly too, so make sure your insurance covers it! Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, meaning the stomach and the intestines. Once the fast is over, high-fiber foods are often recommended to help normalize the digestive process. Additionally, your pet may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Keep an eye on your dog and contact your vet if you have any concerns. Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, meaning the stomach and the intestines. The prevalence of Salmonella in healthy dogs has been reported in most studies to range from 0 to 3.6%. HGE in dogs is a fairly common veterinary emergency that frightens dog owners due to its shocking symptoms. Potential benefits of this treatment approach for gastroenteritis in dogs . We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts. We appreciate your prayers, it is so nice to have some positivity since lately everyone around us has been suggesting putting her down. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health. These tumors are commonly located in the lower part of the stomach. Burly is 4 years old. Infectious diarrhea is commonly referred to as gastroenteritis. Without prompt treatment, dogs can develop a complication of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). This is followed by a bland digestible diet like rice and boiled hamburger. Please share with other pet owners. It's estimated fewer than 10% of dogs who are treated for HGE will die. In acute and severe diarrhea, certain antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medications will be considered. . The cost will depend on which tests your vet conducts based on the clinical signs and health issues your dog displays. Your vet will conduct fecal tests after the five-day period to see if cysts still exist. This could include simply withholding food for around 24 hours to allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle, feeding only a bland diet or prescribing medication to treat the sickness and diarrhoea or other issues. From 71 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000. Your veterinarian may discuss other possibilities based on your dog's specific condition. The true cost of veterinary treatment is revealed. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, printer cartridges, etc. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2021 Last night she was very lethargic and I decided I would call the vet in the am if she did not improve. Get personalised expert advice and peace of mind. They prescribed her with Apo-Metronidazole and I have no idea if it worked or not, she will not eat but a few bites of random food. Any previous episodes of vomiting and diarrhea (including their cause and treatment). Gastroenteritis in dogs is the inflammation of a dog’s stomach and intestines typically resulting in recurrent bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Prevention of secondary infection is essential. Gastroenteritis in dogs is often caused when they eat things they shouldn't, the stomach flu, or it may signal a parasite. Most cases of HGE respond well to treatment and make a full recovery in 24 - 48 hours. With prompt medical attention, most dogs do recover. Keep reading to learn more about treating dog gastroenteritis from our Earth Clinic readers! This is a life-threatening blood clotting condition. Treatment. Only symptomatic management of pups may help. This advice is not a substitute for a proper consultation with a vet and is only intended as a guide. Get a Quote. Treatment can vary with these patients, so the cost varies. My pup keeps me company and I don't want to lose her. Treatment for Yellow Mucus Vomiting in Dogs. Subsequently, one may also ask, does colitis in dogs go away? It occurs when the quantities of red blood cells in the blood rise uncontrollably due to dehydration. In most cases, dogs with HGE will need to be hospitalised for at least 24 hours. However, you can typically treat the condition safely under veterinarian's care with additional home supports. Angiostrongylus infection in a dog. Veterinarians suspect it may be caused by bacteria that shocks and poisons a dog's immune system by destroying the intestinal lining, or causes an infection.