Black diarrhea in a dog

There are many reasons to be concerned about the health of our four-legged pets, one of them has to do with the fact that the dog has black diarrhea.

Causes of the black diarrhea in a dog

The first question owners ask is: what does black diarrhea in a dog mean; the second is why it occurs.

According to veterinarians, diarrhea in dogs is a common complaint, and 15-28% of initial visits are specifically for gastrointestinal problems, which are manifested by an increase in the frequency of defecation, as well as a more liquid consistency of feces.

The most innocuous cause of black diarrhea is due to the fact that the animal may have eaten something that contained black dye, in other cases, black feces indicates the presence of internal bleeding in the GI tract, the causes of which may be due to:

• the presence of a foreign object in the digestive tract, which damages the mucous membrane;
• A side effect of certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or bismuth drugs (used to treat gastritis or gastroenteritis in a dog);
• infected with intestinal parasites with the development of helminthiasis;
• heavy metal poisoning:
• acute infectious enteritis in dogs;
• with a bleeding stomach ulcer;
• hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs;
• formation of hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor composed of blood vessels that is often localized in the spleen in older, large breed dogs.

When a dog has black diarrhea and vomiting, it is suspected parvovirus infection in dogs, affecting the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system.

Risk factors

The risk of developing this symptom in dogs is increased by improper feeding, infections, endoparasites, blood clotting disorders (von Willebrand's disease), and poisoning with toxic substances.

Pathogenesis

When bleeding from the upper digestive tract, the dog has black blood diarrhea because when the blood interacts with gastric juice, which includes hydrochloric (hydrochloric) acid, the iron contained in the hemoglobin of red blood cells undergoes oxidation.

Bright red blood in a dog's feces (hematochezia) indicates bleeding in the lower GI tract, and this symptom is often seen when a dog ingests a rodent repellent, rat poison, which contains the anticoagulant rodenticide.

The mechanism of blood in feces in helminthiasis is explained by the fact that, attaching to the walls of the intestine, parasites damage the mucosa lining it with the release of a small amount of blood into the intestinal lumen from damaged vessels of the mucosa and submucosal layer.

The pathogenesis of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs is associated with damage to the GI tract by gram-positive bacteria Clostridium perfringens. Penetrating into the intestinal lumen, they begin to multiply and release toxins, causing death of mucosal cells, and general intoxication of the body - the result of the action of tissue decay products.

Diagnostics of the black diarrhea in a dog

Diagnosis of diseases and pathological conditions that can cause frequent black colored loose stools in dogs begins with a clinical examination of the animal and the submission of blood and fecal tests prescribed by the veterinarian.

Ultrasound of the GI organs and endoscopy of the stomach and intestines are performed.

To identify the underlying cause of this symptom - based on the results of laboratory tests and data obtained during visualization of GI structures - differential diagnosis is carried out.

Treatment of the black diarrhea in a dog

What to do when a dog has black diarrhea? Follow the treatment plan clearly, which will be determined by the veterinarian.

The first step in treating these animals is to avoid eating solid food for 24 hours, which will allow the intestines to empty and restore normal rhythm and function. But the dog needs to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Rice broth cooled to room temperature can also be given.

Both antidiarrheals and all other medications should be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Smecta may be used (a large dog is given the contents of one sachet mixed with water, a small dog - half a sachet) and Enterosgel (1-1.5 tbsp. Per day for large breed dogs and a teaspoon for small breeds).

Loperamide (Imodium) can not be used simultaneously with antibiotics, and its dosage depends on the body weight of the animal: if it exceeds 10 kg - one capsule (2 mg) three times a day; if the weight is less than 10 kg, the liquid form of the drug is used at the rate of 0.08 mg / kg.

There are veterinary drugs of this pharmacological group, for example, Dolfos Dolvit Stoper, Dia Dog & Ket, Gigi Vetsorbin.

In poisoning by rat poison to urgent measures include gastric lavage and activated charcoal, and to restore the synthesis of active clotting factors, veterinarians prescribe vitamin K1 - 3-5 mg per kg of body weight (orally every 12 hours).

When the GI tract is affected by Clostridium perfringens bacteria, antibiotics including Amoclicillin, Clindamycin, Azithromycin are prescribed.

In case of helminthiasis, worming tablets for dogs are used.

To normalize the intestinal microbiota, the dog is given probiotics (Activil-3, BioProtekt, Dolvit Probiotic, etc.).

Prevention

Recommendations for prevention are dog nutrition (which should be of good quality) and regular deworming (to reduce the number of intestinal endoparasites. And vaccination can be given against parvovirus infection in dogs.

Forecast

Given the possible causes of black diarrhea in a dog, the prognosis depends not only on the timely detection and treatment of the etiologically related disease, but also on the degree of its severity and complexity.