Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Overview

Hematochezia is the presence of bright red, fresh blood in the feces. Hematochezia usually occurs with bleeding in the lower intestines (colon, rectum). Hematochezia should not be confused with melena , which 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 symptom 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. Repeated or persistent hematochezia is more serious and should not be ignored. There are several possible causes. The most common cause in older pets is cancer and in younger petsStain and Odor Remover
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are parasites.

General causes include:

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 diseases, 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

    What to Watch For

  • Bright red blood in the feces
  • Possible straining to defecate
  • Increased number of bowel movements produced
  • Possibly no other clinical signs
  • Possibly other systemic signs of illness, such as excessive drinking, urinating, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss

    Diagnostic Tests

  • Rectal examination
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Biochemical profile
  • Urinalysis
  • Fecal examination
  • Coagulation profile
  • Abdominal X-rays (radiographs)
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Colonoscopy

    Treatment

    There are several things your veterinarian might prescribe to treat your pet' symptoms. These include:

  • Changes in the animal's diet
  • Fluid therapy
  • Deworming medications for intestinal parasites
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Motility modifying drugs that change the rate of movement of food through the intestines
  • Intestinal protectant/adsorbent drugs to coatHerbal Groom Shampoo 12 oz
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    , protect, and sooth the gastrointestinal tract

    Home Care

    At home administer any prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian and follow any dietary recommendations closely.

    You should also observe your pet's general activityHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
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    and appetite, and watch closely for the presence of blood in the stool, or a worsening of signs. If any changes occur, notify your veterinarian.

     
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