Yorkshire Terrier Pooping Blood: Symptoms and Care

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Posted Nov 1, 2024

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Close-up Photo of White and Brown Yorkshire Terrier Sitting on Carpet
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If your Yorkshire Terrier is pooping blood, it's a sign that something is seriously wrong.

The most common cause of blood in a Yorkie's stool is gastrointestinal foreign bodies, which can be caused by eating something they shouldn't.

Blood in the stool can also be a symptom of gastrointestinal ulcers, which are open sores in the stomach or intestines that can be painful and bleed.

A Yorkie's small size and big appetite make them prone to gobbling down small objects, which can get stuck in their digestive tract and cause bleeding.

For more insights, see: Yorkshire Terrier Shelter

Causes of Bloody Stool

If the blood in your Yorkshire Terrier's stool is bright red, it's likely due to bleeding in the lower digestive tract, rectum, or colon. This can be caused by conditions like parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or cancer.

Other potential causes of bloody stool include intestinal blockages, trauma, bacterial infections, or fissures. These can be just as serious as the previous conditions, so it's essential to have your vet investigate.

Some common causes of dark, sticky, and tar-like blood in your dog's stool, also known as Melena, include parasites, liver cancer, or ulcers caused by medications.

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Clotting Disorders

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Clotting disorders can slow down the clotting of your dog's blood, leading to melena in their stool. This can be caused by inherited disorders or acquired disorders.

In some cases, ingestion of rat poison can cause a clotting disorder and bleeding. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Disorders that slow down blood clotting can range from inherited to acquired, and they can have serious consequences for your dog's health.

Here are some possible causes of clotting disorders in dogs:

  • Inherited disorders
  • Acquired disorders
  • Ingestion of rat poison

It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat clotting disorders in your dog.

Bloody Stool in Dogs

Bloody stool in dogs can be a worrying sight for any pet owner. If the blood in your dog's stool is bright red, it's called hematochezia and typically comes from bleeding in the lower digestive tract, rectum, or colon.

This type of bleeding can be caused by several conditions, including parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, cancer, viral and bacterial infections, parasites, digestion of something inappropriate, sudden change in diet, rectal injury, or colitis.

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If the blood in your dog's stool is dark, sticky, and tar-like, it's called melena, which indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract, esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestines.

Some other causes of bloody stool include intestinal blockages, trauma, bacterial infections, or fissures. These conditions can be serious and require immediate veterinary attention.

If you see blood in your dog's stool or vomit, it's essential to contact your vet or nearest emergency vet right away, as bloody diarrhea or vomiting can be a veterinary emergency.

Here are some possible causes of bloody stool in dogs:

Your vet will likely start by performing a physical examination and reviewing your dog's medical history. They may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as parasite tests, blood work, or X-rays, to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding.

Treatment for bloody stool in dogs will depend on the underlying cause and your pet's general physical health. Your vet may prescribe medications to soothe the intestines, provide electrolyte and fluid therapies, or recommend surgical remedies for tumors, ulcers, or physical obstructions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

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If your Yorkshire Terrier is pooping blood, it's a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome is a common cause of bloody stools in small breed dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier. This condition is characterized by acute vomiting and hemorrhagic diarrhea, often accompanied by hemoconcentration.

Young dogs, especially those under the age of 5, are overrepresented in cases of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome. This is likely due to their smaller size and increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal issues.

The diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome is based on clinical signs and a packed cell volume (PCV) of greater than 60%. This is a critical indicator of hemoconcentration, which is a hallmark of this condition.

In addition to blood in the stool, dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome may also exhibit lethargy, weakness, and an elevated pulse. These symptoms can be a sign of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

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Here are some potential causes of bloody stools in Yorkshire Terriers:

  • bacterial gastroenteritis
  • viral gastroenteritis (e.g. parvovirus, coronavirus)
  • parasitic gastroenteritis (e.g. Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma spp, Uncinaria spp)
  • systemic disturbances with secondary GI involvement (e.g. hypoadrenocorticism)
  • coagulopathy (e.g. rodenticide toxicosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathia)
  • severe GI ulceration
  • neoplasia
  • GI perforation of any etiology

If you suspect that your Yorkshire Terrier is experiencing acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Prompt IV fluid therapy is the primary treatment for this condition, and may be accompanied by parenteral antibiotics if there is evidence of sepsis or neutropenia.

Treatment and Care

The treatment of bloody stool in dogs depends on the underlying cause, and your vet will likely recommend a combination of medications and therapies to soothe the intestines, replenish fluids and electrolytes, and address any underlying infections or parasites.

Your vet may prescribe medications to prevent nausea and vomiting, as well as pain medication to help your dog feel more comfortable. In some cases, your vet may recommend a bland diet or a prescription food to help your dog recover.

If your vet diagnoses a more serious cause of bleeding, such as a foreign object in the intestines, surgery may be required. In other cases, your vet may recommend long-term treatment plans to resolve the problem, such as steroids to reduce inflammation or acid reducers to treat stomach ulcers.

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Here are some common treatments for bloody stool in dogs:

  • Medications for soothing intestines
  • Electrolyte and fluid therapies
  • Antibiotic therapy for infections
  • Surgical remedies for foreign objects or tumors
  • Corticosteroid therapy for severe blood loss
  • Anthelmintics (antiparasitic drugs) to expel worms and other internal parasites

Remember, it's essential to follow your vet's instructions carefully and monitor your dog's condition closely to ensure the best possible outcome.

NSAIDs

When giving your dog NSAIDs, it's essential to monitor their health closely. Your vet will keep an eye on your dog's health while they're on these medications.

You should also keep an eye out for signs of blood in their feces. Catching any bleeding from NSAIDs early is crucial.

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Post-Surgery Complications

Post-surgery complications can be a serious issue for your furry friend. If your dog has undergone surgery and there is blood in their stool, contact your vet right away.

Blood in the stool after surgery could be a sign of internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Some common causes of post-surgery complications include ulcers caused by medications, blood clotting disorders, and tumors. These conditions can arise from the surgery itself or from underlying health issues.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your vet. Early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in your dog's recovery.

Here are some potential causes of post-surgery complications:

  • Ulcers caused by medications
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Tumors

Dog HGE Treatment

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The treatment of HGE in dogs may or may not involve hospitalization, but it often includes the administration of fluids to prevent dehydration.

For patients treated early, subcutaneous fluids or even plain drinking water may be sufficient, but intravenous fluids are recommended to prevent DIC, a potentially fatal clotting disorder.

Many veterinarians prescribe medications that address bacterial infections, parasites, fungal infections, viruses, or other specific pathogens, even though HGE has not been shown to be caused by any of these agents.

Patients may be given medications that treat ulcers, soothe the gastrointestinal tract, or prevent nausea, vomiting, or pain.

HGE recovery time for dogs is variable and can range from one to four days, during which time the patient's veterinarian may recommend no food or water by mouth.

The patient's veterinarian may recommend a new or different type of protein or a prescription pet food until the acute phase of HGE has passed.

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In some cases, surgical remedies may be necessary to treat underlying conditions such as tumors, ulcers, or physical obstructions.

Here is a summary of common treatment options for HGE:

  • Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration
  • Medications to treat ulcers, soothe the gastrointestinal tract, or prevent nausea, vomiting, or pain
  • Prescription pet food or a new type of protein
  • Surgical remedies for underlying conditions
  • Antibiotic therapy if an infection is suspected

It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.