My 17 year old XXXXX XXXXX has diarrhea which just started today and it looks like there is some blood as well. Eats and drinks fine and acts normal.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: XXXX XXXXXXX Terrier Gender: Male Age: 17 Name of Dog: Scout Already Tried: just providing water
Welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian and specialist and will do my best to assist you today!Weight: normal;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;">For cases such as this - Some owners do a trial run - meaning they attempt a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a few days to see if the signs resolve.Rather than large meals - you might wish to start feeding smaller meals more often, which will not lead to a full belly and therefore the hope for improved comfort.Regarding stomach upset, Pepcid A/C (Famotidine) is also a consideration - dosages and usage information here: http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/famotidine-pepcid/page1.aspxThis can be given 30 minutes before a meal.Often with a mild enteritis this should resolve nicely in 2-3 days.I hope this information is helpful!This is meant to be a running dialogue, and for this reason it is very IMPORTANT that you reply using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed at any time BEFORE rating.Positive RATING (EXCITED FACE or 5 STARS) and bonus if happy is appreciated as this is the only way I know you have received the information and I receive credit for my time.Please remember to ONLY rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please STOP and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites: CriticalCareVet.Just type your future question in the text box to direct it to my personal attention.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. This is for informational purposes only. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet, rather information online, and any treatment provided should only be performed after consulting your veterinarian.
Does the blood in the mucus when he defecates mean this is an emergency? Also, does the number of episodes of diarrhea relate to whether it is an emergency. Some of the information on the internet suggests that giving no medication or food for 24 hours is recommended. Are several small meals of boiled chicken and rice something I can start immediately or wait 24 hours?
No - it is common with a colitis. Due to the good blood supply to the intestines, when the colon is irritated, frank blood and mucous may be noted in the diarrhea as wellThis is meant to be a running dialogue, and for this reason it is very IMPORTANT that you reply using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed at any time BEFORE rating.Positive RATING (EXCITED FACE or 5 STARS) and bonus if happy is appreciated as this is the only way I know you have received the information and I receive credit for my time.Please remember to ONLY rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please STOP and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites: CriticalCareVet. Just type your future question in the text box to direct it to my personal attention.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. This is for informational purposes only. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet, rather information online, and any treatment provided should only be performed after consulting your veterinarian.
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Some of the information on the internet suggests that giving no medication or food for 24 hours is recommended. Are several small meals of boiled chicken and rice something I can start immediately or wait 24 hours?
If there is no vomiting, while some suggest removing food for 12-24 hours, without vomiting food in small amounts can be given.This is meant to be a running dialogue, and for this reason it is very IMPORTANT that you reply using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed at any time BEFORE rating.Positive RATING (EXCITED FACE or 5 STARS) and bonus if happy is appreciated as this is the only way I know you have received the information and I receive credit for my time.Please remember to ONLY rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please STOP and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites: CriticalCareVet.Just type your future question in the text box to direct it to my personal attention.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. This is for informational purposes only. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet, rather information online, and any treatment provided should only be performed after consulting your veterinarian.
Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Specialist
Hi Carol,I'm just following up on our conversation about Scout. How is everything going?CriticalCareVet
He seemed better yesterday but diarrhea was back today. I took him to his vet and he has a bacterial infection and is on antibiotics.