Prognostic indicators of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in puppies

Abstract

Canine haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a common condition manifested by vomiting and diarrhoea in puppies. The aim of the study was to identify the prognostic markers in puppies below 6 months of age with HGE. A total of ten apparently healthy puppies were taken as positive control (Group I). Stool sample obtained from sixty two affected puppies were screened using polymerised chain reaction for infectious agents and classified as follows, puppies with viral enteritis (Group II, n=forty one), bacterial enteritis (Group III, n=six), combined bacterial and viral enteritis (Group IV, n=fifteen). Among the clinical parameters the total WBC, serum albumin, potassium, blood lactate and blood pressure were statistically highly significant (P≤0.01). A total WBC count ≤4100 cu.mm, serum albumin concentration of 3.2 mmol/L and systolic blood pressure of ≤90 mmHg were identified as the prognostic values Their interquartile range and median values will be discussed critically.