Will my dog be OK? She had diarrhoea while I was out which was very bloody.?

Question

She is an eight year old cavalier. I phoned an emergency pet number for advice but he said that because she seems bright, not dehydrated or lethargic, happy and is eating, that it will be OK to wait until the morning to take her when surgery opens. I am really worried because it was so bad, I could only describe it as being a bloodbath - it was everywhere and I could see no brownish colour - just red and loads of it. I had to have my other dog Smudge put to sleep a few months ago and the last thing I want now is to have the same happen. I cry myself to sleep most nights and am not ready yet for it to happen again. I got told that this was probably inflammation of the bowel and can be treated. Is this the most likely reason, and will she be ok? He said it could have been something else very serious (I forgot the name), but as she is fully vaccinated, it can't be. Do I need to be prepared for the worst? I need to know. Thanks for reading this xx

Answer 1

You should call a different veterinarian and get a second opinion, if you're not happy with the information your current vet gave you.

Answer 2

If you describe it as a "bloodbath" I woudl take her to the Animal Emergency immediatly. She could have internal bleeding which could be fatal if not treated or numerous other things. If she were my dog, I would certaintly take her to the vet right now so you can know you are caring for her 100% and rest assured. Also, there is also a chance the person on the phone didnt understand how much blood there was. Go with what your heart tells you and take care. Also, Im sorry to hear about Smudge, I know how hard it is to lose a pet.

Answer 3

I had a very similar experience with a dog while working at a doggie daycare, I would have described that as a blood bath as well. It turned out to be something along the same lines a giardia, I can't remember exactly, and the vet prescribed some medication that the dog had to take over a couple of weeks.
I'm sure your vet knows what they are doing, but do be sure they check a bowel sample for parasites before opening her up.
Either way, I'm sure your pup will be fine.
In the meantime be sure she is drinking plenty, dehydration is the biggest concern with diarrhea.

Answer 4

Poor baby (both you and the dog)! Yes, losing a pet is just awful! You are never "ready" to lose another pet. Ever. It's pretty traumatizing to come home and find that. The ER vet is right. As long as she is eating, drinking and acting happy, then it should be fine to wait until morning. It will save you a LOT of money, too.

Especially if it is like what my moms dog did. He got into some cupcakes she had made for a Valentines party (red food dye) and was pooping bright red. He even threw up red (he ate the whole lot). She rushed him to the emergency vet and dropped $1,500. The vet said absolutely NOTHING was wrong. They kept him overnight anyway, just to be sure. When she got home, she went into the kitchen and finally figured out why he was pooping and puking red. She was relieved and furious at the same time. Her 3 in the morning phone call to me was pretty funny.

Anyway, if you are that worried, then take her to the vet anyway. Who cares what they say. She is your baby and you do whatever you feel is right. I think that if she seems fine, then she probably will be fine until morning. Dogs have a way of letting you know if they are in pain. With my moms dog, he lays his head on her knee and looks at her with this pathetic little face and pouts...

It's up to you. I'm really sorry about Smudge. That's really tough. I hope your other dog is okay. She'll be in my prayers tonight.

Answer 5

i recently rescued an 18 month old dog after losing my 14 year old just recently so i know how worried you are he was having the runs and was bleeding but otherwise happy it seems that it was caused by straining to much and has now cleared up try to relax go to the vets in the morning and good luck let us know how you get on x

Answer 6

You legitimately sound concerned.
Don't be satisfied with a phone call to an er.
Go to vet in order to put your mind at ease.
Bloody diarrhea can be caused by a parasite,trauma or infection.
Only the vet can determine which.

Answer 7

change vets:my dog storm had similar and it was like blood bath,he had an infection that they could not identify...he even vomited it,spent 9 months caring for him.....he is OK now.spent sleepless nights worrying myself .Also my vet says it is hard to detect dehydration in a dog,you should know how much they have had to what you put in the bowl.
We put storm on eukanuba veterinary diet ,they do dry and canned food,easier to order it on line and cheaper.
http://www.eukanuba.com/en_BI/jhtmls/faq/sw_FAQ_page.jhtml?li=en_BI&bc=E&pti=FQ&sc=&lsc=&bsc=
Also vaccinations do not cover every eventuality,like my vet said with kennel cought ,it does not stop them getting a strain of it.I hope you get it sorted out ,also I belived in healing too ,which I belived played a part in helping storm.

Answer 8

OK.. my dog had the same type of symptom... There was so much blood, I thought she was a goner for good... turned out to be pancreatitis... I took her in to the vet and they checked her, ran a couple of tests and started immediate treatment.. She was 13 years old and had to stay at the vet's for about a week.. she was one sick puppy... She fully recouperated! Please seek another vet if the one you are currently using is not willing to offer you immediate treatment...

Answer 9

It can be bowel inflamation. The other disease he was referring to was Parvo. It can also happen if a dog gets into rat poison but usually they bleed both out the mouth & rectum. Could she have been constipated? Is the blood BRIGHT red? If so it could be hemeroids. Personally I would call a few other vet offices and get several opinions.

Answer 10

Vaccinations are NOT 100%!!

Get her to a vet NOW. Parvovirus kills, when taking her in, avoid ALL contact with other dogs, and I mean all, your going to need plastic down on the car seat and towels incase she dirties again, as its infectious and can kill other dogs.

Sorry if TMI but did it have a strange smell? Like metalic? If so its definatly something to worry about, I seriously hope you get this message and take her.

My dog had this and ended up too late and had to be put to sleep, but they can fight it, if you get them treatment and on a drip asap!!!

GO NOW.

Answer 11

I think to put your mind at ease take the dog to the vet. But I am confused is your dog suppose to have surgery? If she boo boo again and it is full of blood , I would go to the vet.
Sorry you are going through this.