We have a sweet male labrador, approximately 9 years old. A few months ago he started excreting loose bloody stool. It wasn’t consistent but became more frequent over time and in addition to blood, mucus was present in the loose stool. We noticed his anal glands terribly swollen.
The vet checked and stated he had developed an infection most likely from the blood and irritation. The blood and mucus was excessive at this point. He was put on antibiotics and they also performed a biopsy which came back inconclusive- blood counts were fine. The swelling eventually went down.
The vet was unsure what to make of the situation. Would an x-ray be able to help shed light on what might be ailing him?
He exhibits no discomfort and his appetite and demeanor are normal. He continues to squat frequently with visible strain but little comes out, just drops of loose stool with blood.
Our vet urges us to go to a specialist for further testing but our plan does not cover these costs. We are struggling to figure out what our next step should be.
HELP!!!!!!
Thank You!
Sound like colitis. Fecal testing including fecal by centrifugation and fecal pathogen studies as well as empirical intestinal parasiticidal treatment with fenbendazole 50 mg/kg PO qd x 5 consecutive days is recommended.
If these measures don’t improve the condition, colonoscopy is recommended to obtain a definitive diagnosis allowing specific therapy.
T. L. Medinger, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Specialty of Small Animal Internal Medicine
VCA Aurora Animal Hospital
Aurora, IL
The “blood caused an infection” , but what caused the blood?
If your vet can’t work this up further (X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy) , you need to see a specialist.
Philip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
Has this dog had a fecal test AND a specific test for Giardia ?
The Giardia test must be an Elisa test to be more accurate.
Also, there are many negative fecal tests that are indeed positive. whipworm can be hard to
diagnose as it does not “float” as well as other parasite oocysts.
Check for Giardia and deworm for whipworm might be a good start.
If this still doesnt help consider the food you are using. Corn and wheat can be very allergenic to some dogs.
Make sure you are on a good quality dog food or even try cooking for your dog.
If the cooking works out well, make sure you check with your vet for the proper supplements that are necessary for a well balanced diet (bone meal, oils etc.)
Dr E
Dr E Brooklyn, NY
Your next step should be to follow your veterinarian’s advice and schedule an appointment with the specialist. Getting a diagnosis is the most important issue to consider at this time, not whether your plan covers the diagnostics. Radiographs are less likely to yield any significant information – let the specialist describe what he or she thinks would be the best investigative pathway to follow.
Dr. Mark Logan, DVM
Baysea Veterinary Hospital
Cape May, NJ