Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 3/29/2009

Question
We have a 13 week old mini Aussie, he was on medication for possible colitis for 8 days. after a day and half the blood in stool reappeared and the vet has now put him on the same medicine for 14 days.
My question is this, is it possible for him to have stress from being corrected as to biting, or chewing, or if someone comes over and he gets excited to see them. can this be a cause of colitis?
We have only had him 7 weeks and it seems as if this shouldnt be happening. Can he be on this medicine for any length of time with no problems?
Im at a loss as to what to do or which direction to go if after the 14 day dose it appears again.


Answer
Kathy -

Absolutely, your dog can be stressed by the way you are correcting him.  

Colitis can be caused by a number of factors.  Stress, intestinal parasites, infection and food allergy can all cause inflammation in the colon.

Talk with your vet about ways to rule out each factor.  You will then be able to determine what is causing your pup to uncomfortable.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM