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Ragnar the Frenchie Recovers From Gastro Issue

By Christy True
published: April 13, 2020 - updated: March 6, 2024 • 2 min. read
Ragnar the French Bulldog

Key Takeaways

  • Ragnar is a 3-year-old male French bulldog diagnosed with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
  • This condition is common in small dogs and young adult dogs.
  • Its symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, and low appetite.
  • Fortunately, Ragnar got back to his usual self after 10 days.
  • Ragnar’s pet parent found that Healthy Paws insurance provided peace of mind.

Diagnosis: Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
Total claims: $664 | Healthy Paws reimbursed: $597
Policy option: $250 yearly deductible | 90 percent

Ragnar is a 3-year-old male French Bulldog, who pet parent Adrian said is funny and unusually athletic for a Frenchie.

“If he’s not sleeping, he wants to play, or is following me around to help me with my chores and getting into anything that grabs his interest,” she wrote.

Ragnar the French BulldogOne day, Adrian returned from work and Ragnar initially seemed fine. Then after dinner, Ragnar started vomiting. Soon she noticed foamy bile in his vomit. And then there was diarrhea, which appeared to have blood in it. She knew she had to get him to the veterinarian as soon as they opened the next day.

Ragnar was diagnosed with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), a serious gastrointestinal condition that can be fatal if not promptly treated. HGE is most common in young adult dogs, and smaller dogs are more susceptible.

Besides vomiting and diarrhea, other symptoms include; painful abdomen, decreased appetite, dehydration, depression and lethargy. Adrian wanted to tell her story because many pet parents may think their dog just has an upset stomach or other gastro issue that they think will pass.

“Because I caught it early, Ragnar was given fluids and he fully recovered,” she wrote.

Adrian had to take Ragnar to the vet every day for a week to receive fluids and medication for nausea and diarrhea. He didn’t eat for several days, but by the end of the week, he started playing a bit and was back to his “normal crazy self” after 10 days.

Adrian can’t be sure what caused the condition, but her vet thinks it was something he ate. Since Ragnar’s diet is closely controlled, Adrian thinks he might have eaten something in the yard.

“Mostly, he is not outside unsupervised, but you cannot watch them 24/7,” she said.

Adrian adopted Ragnar when he was two years old and transferred a Healthy Paws policy that the previous caretaker had on him.

“While I do not run my dog to the vet for every hangnail, I thought the insurance was great peace of mind investment. Healthy Paws was there for me,” she said.

The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law.

Insured people providing testimonials in this report have not received compensation for their statements.

Christy True and Tomas
By Christy True

Christy has been writing about pets for Healthy Paws for 28 dog years. She also coordinates media requests and manages the Healthy Paws Foundation. A background in journalism may be why she enjoys writing about offbeat animal studies and the latest viral pet trends. She has been owned by several dogs, and she volunteers with a local dog rescue. Outside of work, she can usually be found sliding down a mountain near her home in Bend, Ore.

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