My Dog has Blood in its Stool(2)

“My dog has blood in it’s stool- what do I do?”
If your dog has blood in its stool, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. After a complete physical exam, 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.

An antigen test can be performed to test for Parvo in young dogs. If positive, aggressive treatment in the form of blood tests, IV fluids and other supportive care must begin immediately for the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of the illness, hospitalization for several days in addition to blood and plasma transfusions may be necessary to support the dog through the illness. Younger puppies are generally affected more severely, and have a higher mortality rate.

While there is no clear test to determine Distemper infection, diagnosis is made through the presence of symptoms. As with parvo infection, treatment of distemper is aimed at supportive care as the dogs body deals with the symptoms. Reducing and preventing high fevers is imperative, as the damage done to the brain can be fatal and life-long. Treatment can take days, and the full extent of damage done to the dogs body may not be apparent for several weeks after the virus is no longer active. Often fatal, prevention through vaccination is highly effective, and necessary for all dogs.

 In dogs with HGE, supportive care initiated quickly can ensure a favorable outcome. Fluid therapy and antibiotics are the mainstays of treatment, as well as careful attention to restoring and maintaining appropriate electrolyte levels in the blood. Food and water are withheld for several days, and when the vomiting and diarrhea ceases, an easily digestible diet is added back slowly. Most dogs recover within 2-3 days, and generally have no lasting effects of illness.

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, and the dog should see a veterinarian immediately.