My dog has bloody stools and is vomiting help? Best answer on the web
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When it comes to parvovirus there are a number of symptoms to look out for. The disease makes it impossible for the dog to absorb liquids and nutrients and as a result, the dog will suffer from diarrhea and may also experience lethargy and vomiting. There is a loss of appetite. Most dogs stop eating and have particularly foul smelling and bloody, liquid stool.
In its early stages, dogs with parvo often have a high fever, loss of appetite, and depression. The other symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, occur as a result of the severe distress on the gastrointestinal system. Shock, dehydration, and death are the next stage. Sadly, the attack on the dogâ ™s heart and subsequent congestive heart failure can occur months or years after the dog seems to have recovered from the virus. In addition, puppies who survive the disease often remain with poor health their entire lives.
Parvovirus is difficult to vaccinate against in puppies. This is because the natural antibodies the puppy receives from its mother can interfere with a vaccination. Therefore, most vets recommend vaccinating against parvovirus after the puppy reaches 6 weeks of age. From this point on, it should be vaccinated every three to four weeks until it is 16 or 20 weeks old. Although there is reason to believe the vaccine provides lifelong immunity once it does take hold in the animalâ ™s body, most vets recommend getting a vaccination every year.
If your dog contracts parvovirus, it will require intense treatment. Otherwise, it will die as the result of dehydration. Usually, the treatment includes the use of an IV or subcutaneous fluids and antibiotics. Like all viruses, parvovirus cannot actually be cured. All the veterinarian can do is treat the symptoms and wait for the virus to run its course. The main objective is to keep the dog hydrated and to prevent the loss of proteins. In addition, the vet will work to control the dogâ ™s body temperature and will monitor its electrolyte levels. In many cases, it is necessary to give the dog a blood transfusion. Dogs who have suffered from parvovirus can get the illness again at a later time.
The sad fact is that some puppies infected with parvovirus will still die from the illness, even if they do receive prompt treatment. Most figures, however, estimate that approximately 80% of puppies infected with the disease do ultimately survive if provided treatment. On the other hand, approximately 80% will die if they do not receive the proper care.
GET TO THE VET ASAP-EMERGANCY ANIMAL HOSPITAL IF NORMAL VET IS CLOSED
DOG'S CAN DIE FROM PARVO, VERY QUICKLY!
If your dog is an adult, and Parvo and intestinal worms are ruled out, it could very well be Colitis, which often manifests when dogs are 1 - 1 1/2 years old. I have a Boxer/Pit Bull mix with Colitis, and Bully breeds seem to be more prone to Colitis than other breeds in general. The symptoms my dog always had, but I was unaware were related to Colitis flare-ups, were:
Continuing to strain long after pooping, as if she still had to go. I just thought she was a "poop walker", and this was just a quirk of her personality. She would stay hunched over, and creep forward for about 5 minutes every time she had to poop.
Inconsistent poop texture. One poop would be normal in consistency, the next would be very squishy.
Hot belly. Her stomach would be very warm to the touch, and I realized later that this was due to the inflammation of her colon.
After having her for 4 months, she finally got diagnosed with Colitis after an all-out bout that had me fearful for her life. She had bloody, mucousy diarrhea, vomiting, and was very lethargic.
After much research on the internet about canine Colitis, I switched her food to a brand with no wheat,corn, or soy. Apparently, lots of dogs are allergic to these three things that are commonly used as cheap filler in many commercial dog foods, and many dogs with colitis are susceptible to flare-ups cause by these three items in their diet.
She has been doing great for almost 2 years now, and although she still gets an occasional minor flare-up, she hasn't had to go the vet for any treatment. When she does have a hot belly, or a loose stool, I cook up some brown rice, or bake a few sweet potatoes, or give her some canned pumpkin - NOT pumpkin pie filling, just PLAIN canned pumpkin - and she gets back to normal in no time.
So, a trip to the vet in definitely in order! As one other poster stated, Parvo is a VERY serious disease! But if your dog doesn't have Parvo, or worms that could cause bloody diarrhea, your pup could very well have Colitis. IF it's colitis, it is very easily managed by changing to a better quality food with no wheat, corn, or soy, and giving only treats without wheat, corn, or soy in them. My Colitis pup also gets lots of fruit and veggie treats - you might be surprised at what dogs enjoy! Baby carrots, broccoli, apples, potatoes, bananas, peas, etc.
Really hope your pup doesn't have Parvo!! Good luck at the vets office!
07Jan09 | edit