Q: My 6-month-old boxer puppy has had blood in his stool for about three weeks now. His stool is not runny, but soft. The vet ran tests for bacteria and parasites, both negative. He was treated with Metronidazole and a dewormer, Panacur, but is still bleeding. His appetite hasn’t changed, his energy level is great, and he otherwise seems happy and healthy. What could be causing the blood, and what steps should I take next?
A: Fresh blood in the stool indicates colon inflammation. In puppies, parasites, specific bacteria acquired from breeders, high-density housing situations or simply the inability of a juvenile intestine to maintain a balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria of the intestine can lead to inflammation and diarrhea. When routine laboratory diagnostic tests, deworming protocols and treatments don’t lead to resolution of the problem, it’s time to work toward a specific diagnosis.
Large intestinal inflammation may be due to an adverse reaction to specific ingredients in pet food. Some dogs cannot tolerate certain foods, either because of allergy to an ingredient or because of an undesirable interaction between the ingredients and the bacteria that live in the intestine.
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Histiocytic ulcerative colitis, previously named boxer colitis, is another potential source of colon inflammation in young boxers. Bacteria are one suspect in this disease, but clinical researchers are still working to discover why only certain individuals are affected. Traditionally, boxer colitis had a poor prognosis, but now veterinary internists are having success with some antibiotics when a diagnosis is obtained before the dog is debilitated.
Discuss pursuing further diagnostic tests with your veterinarian. Discovering the cause of the diarrhea may require a biopsy of the colon. Many family veterinarians routinely biopsy small intestines, but large intestinal biopsies are more difficult, so consider a referral to an internist. With the information from a biopsy, your veterinarian can recommend specific therapies to keep your puppy safe and resolve some of the frustration of persistent stool problems.
Julie Meadows, DVM, assistant health sciences clinical professor, community practice, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, UC Davis.
Do you have a medical or behavioral question about your pet? E-mail Ask the Vet at home@sfchronicle.com.
This article appeared on page E – 6 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Q: My 6-month-old boxer puppy has had blood in his stool for about three weeks now. His stool is not runny, but soft. The vet ran tests for bacteria and parasites, both negative. He was treated with Metronidazole and a dewormer, Panacur, but is still bleeding. His appetite hasn’t changed, his energy level is great, and he otherwise seems happy and healthy. What could be causing the blood, and what steps should I take next?
A: Fresh blood in the stool indicates colon inflammation. In puppies, parasites, specific bacteria acquired from breeders, high-density housing situations or simply the inability of a juvenile intestine to maintain a balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria of the intestine can lead to inflammation and diarrhea. When routine laboratory diagnostic tests, deworming protocols and treatments don’t lead to resolution of the problem, it’s time to work toward a specific diagnosis.
Large intestinal inflammation may be due to an adverse reaction to specific ingredients in pet food. Some dogs cannot tolerate certain foods, either because of allergy to an ingredient or because of an undesirable interaction between the ingredients and the bacteria that live in the intestine.
Histiocytic ulcerative colitis, previously named boxer colitis, is another potential source of colon inflammation in young boxers. Bacteria are one suspect in this disease, but clinical researchers are still
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