Dogs may have bloody diarrhea as a transient or ongoing condition, which typically signifies an underlying medical problem. Bloody diarrhea can be brought on by a variety of conditions, such as infections, cancer, ulcers, or stress. By evaluating the dog and doing tests to identify the underlying reason, a veterinarian can diagnose bloody diarrhea. Depending on the cause of the bloody diarrhea, treatment options include medication and surgery. What you should know about bloody diarrhea in dogs is provided here, along with advice on when to call the veterinarian.
What is Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs?
What is Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs?
A combination of loose, watery stools with blood is known as bloody diarrhea. Mucus can occasionally be observed in the feces as well. The dog is bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract if there is blood in the stool. From the mouth to the anus, this blood might enter the stool during any stage of the digestion process. The stools' appearance and color may provide information about the source of the bleeding.
1 - Hematochezia
Red blood found in feces is known medically as hemoptizia. If the dog has diarrhea, the liquid may be bright crimson or reddish-brown in color, but it usually appears streaky and red. Red blood in the stool typically indicates that the lower gastrointestinal tract, most likely the colon or anus, is bleeding.
2 - Melena
Meleena refers to tarry, black excrement. The blood turns black during digestion, which indicates that there is bleeding in the stomach or another area of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Stools have a gummy consistency and are frequently pitch-black in color. Along with vomiting blood (hematemesis), which can resemble coffee grounds, certain dogs with melena additionally vomit.
Depending on what's causing the diarrhea, your dog's bloody diarrhea can have other symptoms. Possible indicators consist of:
1: Emesis lethargic
2: Appetitive decline
3: Pale gingiva
4: Reluctant to urinate (tenesmus)
Reasons for Bleeding Diarrhea in Dogs
Usually, stomach lesions (gastritis) or small intestine inflammation (enteritis) are the cause of bloody diarrhea. An underlying medical issue, such as a sickness, infection, or gastrointestinal injury, could be the cause of this inflammation. Bloody Diarrhea may be caused by any intestinal inflammatory disease. The following are a few of the most typical causes of bloody diarrhea in dogs:
1 - Stress
Anxiety can lead to an overabundance of fluid and blood leaking from an inflamed colon in dogs. This is sometimes referred to as stress colitis, and ulcers may develop along with it.
2 - Internal Parasites
Giardia and hookworms are two examples of protozoa and worms that can produce bloody diarrhea. Parasites irritate the gut wall and frequently feed on the blood or food of their host.
3 - Viral or bacterial infections
Bloody diarrhea can be brought on by infections such as parvovirus, E. coli, and Salmonella. While some illnesses are acquired by eating rotten food or dead animals, others are infectious and are spread by other dogs. Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome is a disorder that is frequently linked to microorganisms.
4 - Trauma
Bloody diarrhea can occur when a dog has digestive tract surgery or is harmed. Bloody diarrhea can also happen when a dog consumes something that shouldn't be eaten and gets lodged in its digestive system.
5 - Hazardous substances
Bloody diarrhea can result from ingesting harmful human food or chemicals that cause inflammation and bleeding.
6 - Issues with the Anal Gland
Blood may be seen in the stool if the anal glands, which are found at the exterior of the anus, become infected, impacted, and inflammatory. Any time a dog struggles to urinate, the surrounding tiny blood vessels may burst.
7 - Organ Illness
Bleeding diarrhea can occur when there is damage to important organs. The pancreas is essential for digestion; if it malfunctions or gets inflamed (pancreatitis), bloody diarrhea may ensue. Bloody diarrhea can also be a complication of severe renal and liver illnesses.
8 - Cancer
Bloody diarrhea is a common side effect of several cancer types that damage the digestive system. GI tract tumors have the potential to burst and hemorrhage. Bloody diarrhea can be a symptom of inflammation caused by cancer in other parts of the body.
9 - Disorders of Blood Clotting
Dogs suffering from blood coagulation disorders, like Von Willebrand disease, were more likely to experience internal bleeding. Blood within the stool could result if this bleeding happens in the GI system.
10 - Drugs
Prescription drugs such as NSAIDs like carprofen have the potential to cause erosion and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid irritation, give these medications with food. However, if diarrhea occurs (bloody or not), stop giving the medications and contact your veterinarian.
How to Handle Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs
If you see blood in the dog's feces, get in touch with your veterinarian. Even if just a little blood in a generally regular stool should not be a problem, it's better to be safe than sorry. In the event that your dog has diarrhea in addition to blood, they will require immediate medical attention.
A veterinarian will examine your dog and examine their stool to determine the cause of bloody diarrhea. Your veterinarian may suggest further testing, including blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, ultrasounds, or tissue biopsies, based on the symptoms and results of the exam. Read This: Is blood in dog urine an emergency?
Care and preventive measures
Depending on the reason and severity of your dog's bloody diarrhea, several treatment options are available:
1: Probiotics, prescription diets, or antidiarrheal medications are some of the treatments your veterinarian may recommend to treat the underlying cause of the diarrhea and/or alleviate symptoms.
2: If a tumor or foreign object obstruction is the cause of the bloody stool, surgery can be necessary.
3: For dogs who are anemic or dehydrated, blood transfusions and fluids may occasionally be required.
4: Perhaps you should adjust the amount of fiber in the dog's diet to help with inflammation.
5: Although diseases cannot always be avoided, there are steps you may take to lower your risk:
6: Transition foods gradually when beginning a new diet.
7: Keep poisons and other objects out of reach, and keep an eye on your stress levels.
8: Make use of intestinal parasite prevention.
9: See the veterinarian on a regular basis.
Although the prognosis for bloody diarrhea varies depending on the underlying cause of the sickness, it is generally quite curable. After the underlying cause of your dog's health problem has been adequately addressed, you need to give their inflamed intestines time to heal. As advised, make sure that you keep up with your veterinarian and promptly report any changes.
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