Blood in your dog’s poop is always a reason for concern.
While the amount of blood matters, it is better to overreact than waiting too long to get help. The level of emergency depends on the amount of blood and other symptoms.
Potential causes behind bloody stool in dogs include:
- dietary indiscretions
- stress
- allergic reactions
- autoimmune disease
- poisoning
- GI injuries
- infections
- clotting disorders
- and more
One of the potential severe causes is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). This condition now has a new name, acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). The reason for that is that scientists determined that the stomach is not involved with the problem; only the intestines are.
Further information: Blood in Dog Stool: Why Is There Blood in My Dog’s Poop?
Zolza’s story
Zolza is a two-year-old female Yorkshire Terrier. Her breed makes her more likely to suffer with HGE/AHDS. Small dog breeds are most susceptible to this problem, particularly:
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Miniature Pinschers
- Miniature Schnauzers
If you have one of these dogs, be on high alert when you find blood in their poop. While with small puppies, the foremost concern is parvovirus, with small middle-aged breeds, HGE/AHDS is.
What is HGE/AHDS?
At this time, veterinarians are not sure what causes this condition. There does seem to be a genetic component to it. The latest suspected trigger is clostridium bacteria.
The damaged intestinal lining then causes the bleeding.
Further information: Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS) – A Cause of Bloody Feces in Dogs
Zolza’s diarrhea
Zolza’s parents take great care of her and watch her closely. When Zolza started having runny poops and lost her appetite, they became concerned. Then Zolza’s runny stool also contained mucus and blood. Her parents took her to a veterinarian immediately.
Bloody stools are serious and the problem can become fatal.
At the veterinarian
The veterinarian examined Zolza and analyzed her blood. She was dehydrated but other than her irritated intestines, the rest of her body seemed to be working well. He diagnosed Zolza with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE).
While the causes can be many, the initial treatment for HGE/AHDS is mostly the same. If the dog responds to the treatment, all is well. If the medication doesn’t help, then the veterinarian needs to look for an underlying cause.
The treatment
Zolza was admitted to the hospital for IV fluids, antibiotics and vitamins. After the first day of treatment, she started looking better. As soon as she stopped passing blood, she received a bland diet. By then Zolza was hungry and scoffed her meal looking for more. She was ready to go home.
Some dogs require further intervention such as pain management and anti-nausea medications.
Related articles:
My Dog’s Poop
Blood in Dog Stool: Why Is There Blood in My Dog’s Poop?
Further reading:
Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS) – A Cause of Bloody Feces in Dogs