Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Veterinary Care In-depth

Diagnosis In-depth

Obtaining a complete medical history, and performing a thorough physical examination are necessary in order to create an appropriate diagnostic plan for the patient with hematochezia. The physical examination often includes a digital rectal examination. In addition, the following tests may be recommended:

  • A complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate for the presence of infection, inflammation, anemia, and altered numbers of platelets

  • A biochemical profile to assess the overall health and function of various abdominal organs, and to help rule out other disorders

  • A urinalysis to evaluate the kidneys, the hydration status of the patient, and the presence of blood in the urine

  • Multiple fecal examinations for parasites, bacteria, protozoa, and the presence of occult blood (blood that is not visible with the nak
    ed eye)

  • A coagulation profile to assess the ability of the blood to clot

  • Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate the abdominal organs and assess for the presence of a foreign body or tumor

    Your veterinarian may recommend additional tests, based on results of the above tests and the clinical signs exhibited by the animal. These ancillary tests are selected on a case-by-case basis:

  • An abdominal ultrasound evaluates the size, shape and texture of abdominal organs and helps to determine the presence of tumors. Organs, lymph nodes, and masses can be sampled with a needle or biopsy instrument with the guidance of ultrasound. This test may require referral of your pet to a specialist in veterinary internal medicine or veterinary radiology to perform the procedure.

  • Bacterial fecal cultures may be recommended in those cases where a bacterial cause is suspected.

  • Colonoscopy (lower GI endoscopy) may be of benefit in the patient with hematochezia. Colonoscopy involves the passage of a viewing scope into the lower bowel to visualize the lining of the colon and to allow biopsy of any abnormal tissue. Colonoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, and may require referral of your pet to a specialist in veterinary internal medicine to perform the procedure.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Acute Diarrhea in Cats

      Acute diarrhea is one of the most common clinical problems seen in veterinary practice. It is characterized by sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less) of watery or watery-mucoid diarrhea...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Chronic Diarrhea in Cats

      Diarrhea is defined as rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestine resulting in poor absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes and, consequently, loose, runny stools. Chronic diarrhea lasts...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Gastrointestinal Ulcerations in Cats

      Gastrointestinal ulcerations are inflammatory lesions that extend into the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract, going beyond the mucosa (lining). They are typically located in the stomach or upper...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Melena (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

      Melena is the presence of digested blood in the feces and appears as black, tarry stool. Melena may represent a severe, even life-threatening illness, and, therefore, should not be ignored and should be...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1 Melena (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

      Melena is the presence of digested blood in the feces and appears as black, tarry stool. Melena may represent a severe, even life-threatening illness, and, therefore, should not be ignored and should be...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Acute Diarrhea in Cats

      Acute diarrhea is one of the most common clinical problems seen in veterinary practice. It is characterized by sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less) of watery or watery-mucoid diarrhea...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Chronic Diarrhea in Cats

      Diarrhea is defined as rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestine resulting in poor absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes and, consequently, loose, runny stools. Chronic diarrhea lasts...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Gastrointestinal Ulcerations in Cats

      Gastrointestinal ulcerations are inflammatory lesions that extend into the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract, going beyond the mucosa (lining). They are typically located in the stomach or upper...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1 Melena (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

      Melena is the presence of digested blood in the feces and appears as black, tarry stool. Melena may represent a severe, even life-threatening illness, and, therefore, should not be ignored and should be...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Acute Diarrhea in Cats

      Acute diarrhea is one of the most common clinical problems seen in veterinary practice. It is characterized by sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less) of watery or watery-mucoid diarrhea...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Chronic Diarrhea in Cats

      Diarrhea is defined as rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestine resulting in poor absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes and, consequently, loose, runny stools. Chronic diarrhea lasts...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Gastrointestinal Ulcerations in Cats

      Gastrointestinal ulcerations are inflammatory lesions that extend into the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract, going beyond the mucosa (lining). They are typically located in the stomach or upper...

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement