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Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.
Archived Message

Bloody diarrhea
by Angel
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Bloody diarrhea I need some advise. My oldest Bianca has had diarrhea all day now and the last time she went it had blood in it. We had this happen last year and took her to the vet the same day. She was on 4 different med's for it. They said it was pancreitis(sp?). She has only had dry dog food--the same one she has been on since birth. Being Memorial Day weekend, there is no one in my area willing to see her. My vet said give her OTC Pepto Bismol. It didn't touch this. I called the animal hospital and they said to wait 2 days before I should do anything because it could be a virus and it needs to run its course. I'm sorry, but when she has blood coming out, I think medical attention is a must. What should I do? I was thinking of taking her to our regular hospital(human hospital) and maybe they can help us--they have treated dogs before believe it or not. What would you do if this were your dog? Am I being overly worried here? My husband told me to calm down and let it run its course, but there is blood. Am I wrong to be this concerned? Thanx for listening.

DISCUSSION:

I don't understand the vets in your area. Of course you are concerned. This happened to my late dog "Oscar". The vet said he had probably bacteria (?) in his intestines. He gave him an antibiotic and everything was fine again.
Janine


I agree with Janine, there should be an emergency vet hospital near by. My vet leaves a phone number to call in case of emergencies when he is out of town. Blood in the stool is very serious. My previous Malt had gotten into the trash can and ate something he shouldn't have and had the runs for weeks. I was told to feed him very lean hamburger, drained and plain rice to help clear it up. But I would definately seek other veterinary help if its still bad. Good luck and keep us posted
Libby & Buster
Angel: I don't understand your vet either. On New Years Morning when KoKo had the pencil in her teeth causing an infection, the Vet said "I want to see her this morning". Clearly New Years Day is a bigger Holiday then this weekend. I'd be calling every hour on the hour. If no result, I'd call the Human Hospital asking for some help. I'd find another Vet on Tuesday, if your Vet doesn't respond. Good Luck and keep us posted. I sure don't like them bleeding, think of the pain she's in.
Shelley
Hello again. Well Thank God she is on med's and much better today. Last night we got in the car, went to the animal hospital, and insisted they see and treat her. The receptionist said she would need to ask the vet first and when she did he said yes I will see her, this is serious. I told the vet when I called earlier the receptionist told me it sounded like a virus and I should wait two days. Apparantly this is not the first complaint he's had about this lady. He really let her have it in front of us. She has an intestinal bug. He has her on two med's and told me to only feed her baby food for 24 hours so her belly can settle down. She will be fine. What a relief. Thanx for responding. Have a great day!
Angel
Angel, I'm so glad Bianca is going to be okay thanks to your perseverence. That damn receptionist ought to be fired. There are a couple who work for my vet with whom I get so annoyed. I call to ask the vet a question and they are arrogant enough to answer me without even putting me on hold and PRETENDING to ask the vet. Who do they think they are??? Politely as I can, I tell them I would prefer to talk to the vet directly. I'm sure they hate my guts, but I just don't care. Again, I'm so glad Bianca is going to be okay.
Marie
I'm glad your baby is well again ! I greatly dislike ALL emergency Animal Hospital types, they work at night because they can't get a job during the day, be very careful when you see them most of them a learning on your dog or puppy and then have the audacity to charge you a FORTUNE for crappy performance. Get your Vet's night tel or pager # and have it handy instead !
Renee
Angel, I am so glad you were persistant and got in to see the vet. Sometimes I wonder about these places and their receptionists. I have gone thru several vets until I found the one I like. Glad Bianca is doing better.
Libby & Buster

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