Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs
Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs
Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs
"My dog has blood in its stool" is a common complaint to veterinarians. Any blood in the stool of your dog is abnormal, and should be cause for medical concern. There are many causes of bloody stool, and it is important to consult your veterinarian if this condition is seen in your dog. After a complete physical examination, a fecal sample may be examined for the presence of parasites or bacteria. Parasites can be easily treated with deworming medication and most cases will clear up quickly after treatment.
Hematochezia is the presence of bright red, fresh blood in the feces. Hematochezia usually occurs when there is bleeding in the lower intestine (colon, rectum). It is important to know the difference between Hematochezia and melena. Melena on the other hand is the passage of dark, tarry, black feces. Melena represents the passage of old, digested blood that has occurred with bleeding higher up in the intestinal tract.
The presence of hematochezia may be a sign of either a minor problem, or a potentially more serious problem in the animal. One occurrence of hematochezia may be a minor and transient event. Persistent hematochezia is more serious and should not be attended to ..Several reasons may be responsible and the most common cause in those older pets is cancer and in younger pets are parasites
Blood in the stool can have an array of causes. However, since blood in the gastrointestinal tract can signify a serious illness, any time blood appears in the stool it should be considered a medical emergency which demands the attention of a vet.
General Causes
Infectious agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and intestinal parasites Dietary intolerance/allergy/indiscretion Cancer (neoplasia) of the lower bowel Polyps (benign masses) in the colon or rectum Inflammatory bowel disease, such as colitis Trauma to the lower bowel or anal area Clotting disorders (coagulopathy) Intussusception (the telescoping of one part of the bowel into another) Miscellaneous diseases of the anus,rectum and colon. Pravo
This is a serious disease often found in puppies. Black and tan breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shephards and Dobermans are more prone. Typically, a puppy with Parvo will exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and blood in stools. Because this disease can be deadly, puppies suspected of having Parvo should be seen by a vet promptly.
Dietary Indiscretion
Over eating or dietary indiscretion may irritate a dog's intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea and bloody stools. Dogs must be switched to new foods gradually. If a diet change is done too sudden vomiting and diarrhea may take place. Other causes may be eating spoiled foods or food intolerance and allergies.
Treatment
The following might be some of the prescriptions your veterinarian might ask you to to treat your pet' symptoms. These include:
> Changes in the pets diets
> fluid therapy
> De worming medication for intestinal parasites
> Antibiotics for bacteria infections
> Motility modifying drugs that change the rate of movement of food through the intestine.
> Intestinal protestant/ absorbent drugs to coat, protect, and sooth the gastrointestinal tract
This article should not be considered as a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult with a vet should your dog exhibit bloody
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