Blood in Stool :o(

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Yesterday we were at the indoor dog park and all of a sudden Lucy squatted to poo ........ this NEVER happens!  I was expecting that maybe her stomach was upset and I was going to have runny poo, but no it was quite normal for Lucy.  Fairly firm.  What I did notice though is that there was blood.  Bright red, mostly from what I could tell on the outside.  I watched this morning and sure enough we had blood again.  Still firm poos, still no issues going, no puking up anything, only thing unusual is the blood.  This morning some looked a little darker on the first parts out then as she finished it was more brighter red.  The only thing different that we have done is I started on Friday evening with her dinner meal giving her a new food.  She had 1/3 cup of Taste of the Wild mixed in with her Blue Buffalo, both grain free varieties.  She would have eaten twice before I noticed the first poo.  Not sure that is enough to really make much difference.  Normally I watch their poos for consistency, but probably never up close enough to notice blood.  So this could have been going on longer.  They were outside to play for a few minutes a couple days this week, but I keep a pretty close eye on them and didn't see her eat any sticks or anything.  She isn't one to get into things and eat things she shouldn't in the house so I'm just sort of at a loss. We have also pushed around on her tummy and get no response and rear end looks fine, not red or swollen or anything.

 

I'll be calling the vet in the morning, but thought I'd see what all the experts think and if there is anything I should do until I get her to the vet.  Hopefully they can get her in tomorrow.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry poor Lucy is having a problem. I know how worried you must be. I'm glad you're going to try to get her in to the vet. At the very least, they can do a culture and see what may be going on.

There isn't anything in the TOTW, (or any other dog food, to my knowledge), that would cause blood in the stool. But to help set your mind at ease, why not stop the new food until after you see the vet. The one day shouldn't make a difference.

I'll be thinking of you and waiting to hear what the vet says.

[Melissa]

One thing to realize is that if it is bright red that means it is happening right at the end, no bleeding deep inside. I know Buddy has had blood in his stool once or twice.  It actually happened in training class.  I of course was worried and the trainer said it might happen if they are straining a lot to get it out (or possibly going a lot).  If it is too firm...just as what might happen in humans.  Sorry to be a bit graphic. :)  Like I said Buddy only had it maybe 2 times a while ago and hasn't happened since.  But it is still a good idea to check with the vet.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What you say about the bright red blood is true. I suppose dogs could have hemorrhoids but since they aren't upright this is less likely. Still I guess it needs to be checked out.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I no from humans that fresh red blood is usually from a small tear or fissure.  It's the black dark stuff that is more sinister. I do hope she is ok.  Do keep us posted.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Please excuse the dreadful spelling below no should read KNOW!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We've had some blood in stools here too and it was after a bout of giardia and frequency. Vet said it can happen from the area being irritated and blood vessels bursting with the firmer stool.

What's stranger is that she would have such urgency that she would stop playing and do it there when she normally never does. Maybe the food is bulkier than she's normally used to? Causing more urgency and with that rapid expulsion and some blood vessels bursting? 

Just my very laymans opinion. I agree with talking to vet, exam and culture or at the very least reassurance that it's okay to just keep an eye on. Let us know how it goes.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

With all my guys GI problems we've not had blood in the stool, so I'm no help here.  I'm very sorry...poor Lucy.  I'll be waiting to hear what the Vet has to say....paws crossed.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Let us know what the vet says and I hope Lucy is okay.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

thanks everyone.  We will certainly let you know what she says!   Plan to call as soon as they open.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Oh I just hate when anything abnormal comes up with our babies, I am the first one to go to the vet for everything. I should know better because I am a nurse... Anyway, the bright red blood means it is fresh blood, from a new bleed most likely occurring in the lower half of the intestines to the colon or even just hemorrhoids

The darker stool that you noticed is most likely "old blood" Usually dark stools or coffee grind looking stools indicate old blood. It could be as simple as Lucy ate something that scratched her as she passed it out. Most likely she already passed it and just scratched herself.

Sending prayers for a healthy Lucy.. Let us know what happens.

 

 

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[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I've just returned from the Vet.  Didn't have to take Lucy in.  Talk to them on the phone and they gave me an antibiotic.  Suspect Colitis.  Since she is on Advantage Multi they weren't too worried about a parasite or anything along those lines.  Hopefully this will clear it up.  Bad part was I had a rebate coupon for $50 if I bought two boxes of Advantage Multi .... OUCH those are expensive.  I don't normally buy that many at once.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I hope the medication solves the problem. Please keep us posted, I'm glad it doesn't seem to be anything serious.