Anza Animal Clinic Informs Dog Owners about Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Jan. 15, 2017 -- In past winters, there have been outbreaks of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs in the Los Angeles area. Pet owners need to be aware of the severity of the condition that may require intensive care and hospitalization. Signs of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) include appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. HGE is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health encourages dog owners to have their veterinarian of their local animal clinic report cases to the Director of Veterinary Public Health, Karen Ehnert, DVM, MPVM, DACVPM.

Dog owners in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Lake Sherwood, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Westlake Village should have trusted veterinarians report cases of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Reports allow for an assessment of the issue within a geographic area. The recent alert has gone out from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health because of a notice of a potential outbreak of the condition in the area. Anza Animal Clinic has not seen a case in 2016, but there have been outbreaks in previous winters.

A veterinary hospital in San Fernando Valley reported a cluster of bloody diarrhea seen in dogs at their hospital over approximately two weeks on December 19, 2016. Veterinary Public Health has taken the steps to contact 29 veterinary hospitals in the area, the East Valley Animal Shelter, and veterinary hospitals in Agoura Hills and Westlake Village. Twelve of the 29 San Fernando Valley hospitals reported abnormally elevated caseloads of gastrointestinal diseases in canines. Bloody diarrhea with or without vomiting were reported in four of the 12 hospitals. Most cases have been treated using anti-nausea medications and antibiotics. A small percentage of cases required hospitalization and more intensive treatment.

“Area dog owners should be aware of the signs of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis,” said Dr. Stephen Watase, DVM. “Our purpose is to provide necessary information to pet owners and residents about the possibility of a significant outbreak based on previous years and the recent cases seen in December. Immediate intervention can reduce a pet’s potential of experiencing severe symptoms that may require hospitalization. Learn the signs, get treatment, and have your vet report any cases.”

Dr. Stephen Watase, DVM and owner, and Dr. Melanie Spadaro, DVM, of Anza Animal Clinic serve pets and their owners in Westlake Village, Thousand Islands, Lake Sherwood, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Westlake. Pet owners can expect the team to provide the quality of veterinary care that pets deserve. Services include pet wellness exams, pet vaccinations, and laboratory services.

Call (805) 495-1059 to learn more about the hemorrhagic gastroenteritis alert for dogs and health and wellness services for pets. Visit http://anzaanimalclinic.com/ for details on their hours, services, and location.

Anza Animal Clinic, (805) 495-1059