It is distressing to see your dog experiencing diarrhea and rectal bleeding. These symptoms can not only be uncomfortable for your dog, but they can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
We outline potential causes of dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding, along with the associated symptoms and when to seek help.
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Here’s why dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding occurs
Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding may occur due to gastrointestinal parasites, bacterial or viral infection, anal sac disease, gastrointestinal trauma, poisoning, disease, and tumors. It is not normal for dogs to experience diarrhea and rectal bleeding, therefore it is a sign of an underlying health condition.
What is dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding?
Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding are characterized by loose runny stool and the presence of blood in the stool or around the anus.
Rectal bleeding refers to the presence of blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum. It can be caused by different factors, including gastrointestinal infections, internal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, tumors, injury, or trauma to the rectal area.
Signs of rectal bleeding include fresh blood on the surface of the stool or around the anus.
In some cases, rectal bleeding may be accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Is it normal for dogs to diarrhea with rectal bleeding?
No, it is not normal for dogs to have diarrhea with rectal bleeding and it is a sign of an underlying condition that affects a dog’s digestive tract.
Symptoms of dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding
Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding are symptoms of underlying conditions therefore they may be accompanied by other symptoms including:
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Dry heaving or retching
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Weight loss if it is chronic diarrhea
- Fever or hypothermia
Symptoms of dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding
Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding are symptoms of underlying conditions therefore they may be accompanied by other symptoms including:
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Dry heaving or retching
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Weight loss if it is chronic diarrhea
- Fever or hypothermia
Causes of Dog Diarrhea And rectal bleeding
The most common causes of dog diarrhea with rectal bleeding are:
Intestinal parasitic infection
Intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea with rectal bleeding in a dog. The parasites irritate the lining of the gut, causing bleeding and also diarrhea.
This includes intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms.
Bacterial or viral infections
Gastrointestinal infection by bacterial or viral infections can cause diarrhea with rectal bleeding. Bacterial infections by Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and other bacterial agents cause this to occur.
Viral infection by parvovirus commonly affects unvaccinated puppies but it can also infect older dogs. Parvovirus infection causes bloody diarrhea and severe vomiting.
Anal sac disease
Anal sacs are small glands located near the anus of a dog whose function is to produce a fluid that is normally expressed during defecation.
When these glands become infected or inflamed, they lead to rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of anal sac disease include a dog scooting or dragging the bottom on the ground, licking or biting at the area around the anus, foul-smelling discharge, or difficulty defecating.
In severe cases, abscesses or infections can develop, leading to more serious health problems.
Gastrointestinal injury
Dogs explore their environment by smelling, licking and swallowing items. This includes eating something sharp or toxic, or ingesting foreign objects. Gastrointestinal trauma can also be caused by injury to the abdomen.
These items can cause injury along the digestive tract as they move within it and the rectum, causing gastrointestinal bleeding. This can also upset their stomach and cause diarrhea with rectal bleeding.
Therefore the internal trauma and the upset stomach lead to diarrhea with rectal bleeding.
Toxin ingestion
A dog may also ingest a toxin that may irritate their gastrointestinal lining and lead to bleeding. Toxin ingestion as well leads to diarrhea and this results in diarrhea with rectal bleeding.
Disease
Several diseases or conditions that a dog might have can cause diarrhea and rectal bleeding as a symptom. This includes kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders, hormonal disorders, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, immune system diseases, and cancer.
Grastrointestinal inflammation due to inflammatory conditions such as colitis or inflammatory bowel disease can cause diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
These conditions are characterized by inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, and rectal bleeding.
Tumors
Gastrointestinal tumors can cause diarrhea and rectal bleeding in several ways.
One common way is that the tumor can grow in the intestinal wall or rectum and lead to inflammation, ulceration, or bleeding in the digestive tract. This can result in the appearance of blood in a dog’s stool.
In addition, some types of tumors in dogs can produce hormones or substances that affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea, which may also be bloody.
Cancer can also weaken a dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections that can cause diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding: What to do and when to seek help
Seek medical care as soon as possible when your dog has diarrhea and rectal bleeding, as this can indicate a serious underlying health condition.
Here are other signs that indicate that you should see a veterinarian immediately:
Severe diarrhea and blood loss: If your dog’s diarrhea is severe and if there are signs of severe blood loss, immediate veterinary attention is required.
Presence of other symptoms: Other symptoms may accompany diarrhea with rectal bleeding. Other symptoms to look out for include lethargy, lack of appetite, breathing difficulties, signs of pain or discomfort, fever, and signs of dehydration, such as a dry nose or mouth and sunken eyes.
If your dog is vomiting along with diarrhea, this can quickly lead to dehydration and other complications. This requires immediate medical attention.
If your dog is a puppy or an older dog: Puppies and older are generally more vulnerable than healthy adult dogs so delaying treatment could result in their condition worsening or becoming more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical care.
A dog with preexisting conditions: If your dog has a history of chronic diarrhea or preexisting health problems.
Rectal bleeding and diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious condition, therefore prompt diagnosis and treatment are important.
It is important to understand that this is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination, perform diagnostic tests, and treat the underlying condition accordingly.
Treatment for dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding
Treatment for dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding depends on the diagnosis of the underlying cause. Treatment consists of:
- Diarrhea treatment
- Administration of fluids to correct dehydration
- Administration of medication (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication)
- Deworming to treat intestinal parasites
- Treatment of disease
Hospitalization may be required in severe cases of dehydration for the administration of intravenous fluids and also if surgery is required for the removal of tumors.
Key Takeaway: Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding
Dog diarrhea and rectal bleeding is concerning and is a serious symptom that can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions.
It is important to seek professional help from a veterinarian as soon as possible when your dog has diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a better outcome.
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