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Persistent diarrhea since Sunday

Lottie

My dog has had diarrhea fairly constantly since Sunday morning. She has never had any major illnesses before and we are concerned. She has been to the vet and had blood tests done and has also been put on a drip to try and flush out her system. She continues to have diarrhea. The vet says that her liver is not a concern and, after initial x-ray, there appears to be nothing sinister. My dog still has an appetite. She has been drinking a fair amount of water and her faeces are very loose. There was a small amount of blood in her faeces this morning. Do you have any thoughts on what this could be?

Symptoms: Exercise Intolerance, Lethargy, Diarrhea, Increased Thirst & Urination

• Master Advisor Torunn says:

  November 29th, 2007 at 11:33 AM

  This sounds like a typical gastroenteritis but could also be colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), as there was blood in the faeces. From the symptoms you describe, my intitial action would be to do a faecal sample to identify the pathogen involved, and as you describe increased urination I would do a urine sample as well. You did not mention whether your dog has a high temperature as well, in which case I would give him an injection of antiinflammatories. He would also need antibiotics for the infection, the type depending on the results from the faecal sample. If your dog has not been wormed the last 3 months I would give him a wormer as well. A probiotic and fibre-paste should be given to bind him up.I hope this information is useful.

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• User says:

  November 29th, 2007 at 11:50 AM

  Thank you Torunn. We are awaiting the results of the faecal sample. I am just worried because she has been having spurts of diarrhea quite consistently since Sunday and she is lethargic and not her usual self. But I suppose we are all like that when we are ill. I am not aware of her having a high temperature. Is it common for dogs to have such prolonged periods of diarrhea and recover okay?

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• Master Advisor Torunn says:

  November 29th, 2007 at 11:58 AM

  Make sure that she is not dehydrated, so is drinking enough water. as long as she seems bright, still eating and not being sick I wouldnt worry too much. But if she was my patient I would give her a probiotic paste containing fibre (called Pro-Kolin) as it is good for binding and I would also start her on some broad spectrum antibiotics even though the results from the faecal sample are not back yet. Your vet should have taken her temperature as well. Has she not been offered any form of treatment? If she is lethargic, dehydrated and not herself at all, and maybe not responding to treatment, I would say she needs to go on a drip to restore the fluid imbalance. It is not uncommon for dogs to have prolonged periods of diarrhoea but they usually respond well to antibiotic treatment. If you have any more questions please dont hesitate to ask.

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• User says:

  November 29th, 2007 at 12:05 PM

  Thanks again Torunn. Yes, she is now receiving treatment. Too much to mention! My mum is dealing with that side of things so I don't have the details to hand but there are antibiotics and also medication for her liver. I think there was a slight imbalance with enzymes hence the liver medictaion but nothing that overly concerned the vet. She just started the treatment yesterday and had another dose this morning. I believe she is settled at the moment after having some chicken and rice (still not affecting her appetite). Thanks again for your help.

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