Ask the Veterinarian/Bloody Diahrrea

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Expert: - 3/22/2011


Question
QUESTION: My 7 year old dachshund vomited 4 days ago and seemed fine.  She has suddenly come down with a case of diahrrea that has lasted 3 days, off and on (not continual).  Today she's started acting lethargic, but got excited as usual to go for a walk.  While outside, she had diahrrea again, but this time it was red and thick, like blood.  She's drinking plenty, but I am worried about the blood.  Any advice?

ANSWER: I would call the vet tomorrow since this has continued on. Without knowing her vaccination history or what she is eating, it could be anything from a passing digestive upset from a new food or table scrap, or she could have parvo if her vaccinations are overdue.

This is something you don't want to let go and go, so call the vet tomorrow and let them know what is going on with her.

You can start her on some boiled rice and white chicken tonight to help stop it but only give her a small amount, then more tomorrow. It can help.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Since yesterday, still has a touch of diahrrea but there's no more blood in it.  She did vomit just a little bit of the chicken/rice  mixture.  As far as her vaccines go, she just had the rabies vaccine last summer, but not one for parvo, however, I don't take her anywhere other than our enclosed back yard.  She's never around other dogs either, so not sure if it's likely she would have picked it up anywhere.  If things don't subside today, I will take her to a vet.  Thanks for help.

Answer
Parvo is airborne and a very, very hardy virus. You can bring it home on your shoes, clothes and the tires of your car. Don't let the fact that she stays home fool you.

Just like heartworms are caused by mosquitoes, and so the dog doesn't need to be around other dogs to get it, so it is with parvo, but it's a virus.

Glad she is feeling better. These little dogs are very prone to getting digestive upsets that can become serious very quickly such as pancreatitis, or gastritis.

So, yes, take her in today if she is still vomiting or has diarrhea.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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