Answer

Hi again XXXXXXXXXXXX,

I am about to go off-line for a few hours, but wanted to leave you with some more information before I go.

You have described to me a 6wk old Shih Tzu puppy who has blood in her feces.

I'm sorry that your pup is having this problem! There are a number of different things that could cause it, but these are the ones that come to mind first:


1. MOST LIKELY cause would be Parasites.

Some internal parasites (worms) are very difficult to detect on a fecal analysis. So, even though the fecal might be "negative" the pup could still have worms. Here is a link to information about whipworms which are notoriously hard to identify by fecal analysis, and are not killed with pyrantel pamoate (standard puppy dewormer):

http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1668

Blood in the stool of a puppy is very often caused be COCCIDIA which is a type of parasite. It can be treated with a course of S-125/Albon medication.

Here is more about this problem:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/protozoan-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx

2. Dietary indiscretion:

With a pup, one always has to consider dietary indiscretion (garbage gut) since they are so curious they will eat just about anything. So, she might have eaten some leaves out in the yard, or a spider, or just about anything.


3. Viral infection:

Since your pup has not completed the full vaccine series yet then she is not fully protected from Parvo virus. It is possible that she could be in the early stages of this. Another virus that causes diarrhea in pups is Corona virus. For both of these viruses, treatment is supportive - meaning that it is aimed at maintaining hydration and preventing bacterial infections.

Most dogs require hospitalization at a veterinary hospital.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=580
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1556&articleid=415


4. A bacterial infection:

Dogs can be affected by overgrowths of bacteria in the intestines. In an adult dog these might not be more than a nuisance, but in a pup they can be serious. The 3 most common are Campylobacter, Salmonella and E.Coli. Here is a link with more information:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2232

In summary, there are a number of different problems that could be causing your pup to have blood in the stool. The top of my list would be Coccidia. The standard roundworm dewormer will not treat this, but it responds well to medication from your vet. Some of these problems are very easy to cure, and some more difficult. I would strongly recommend you take her in to see a veterinarian today if she is listless or not eating, or tomorrow if she is bright and eating well. Also, please take along a fresh stool sample.


If this has been helpful, please hit the green "Accept" button.

If you need more information, just click on reply and I will be back to answer further questions.

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would strongly advise contacting your regular veterinarian.


Best wishes to you and to your pup!
Fiona