[chevysmom]

Early Friday morning (4am) I woke up to Chevy going nuts in his crate (barking, crying) so I raced out of bed because he usually sleeps through the night. There was loose stool in his crate. I let him outside so I could clean up and I saw him squatting outside. I went out in the afternoon to clean up the yard and there were several small piles of loose stool. Yesterday (Saturday), we were out for a few hours and when we walked in the door, I knew Chevy had gone in his crate again. This time it was pretty much all over the crate (so much I just tossed the blanket that was in there, right into the trash) and there were a couple spots of what looked like it could have been blood. So he went out while I cleaned up. He seems to be acting normal, eating normal (Canidae ALS, 3 to 4 cups a day), but has been drinking a lot more water. He's never had loose stool before, they've all been formed and normal looking. I haven't been out this morning to investigate the yard or his poops. Could eating something he found in the yard be the cause? Should I take him into the vet? Or wait and see how he does today & tomorrow? Anyone have any idea what it could be or what I should do? I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to issues like these since we've never had to deal with them with any of our previous dogs. I'd really appreciate any advise. Thanks!

 

[DHau]

He could have gotten into anything out in the yard. Usually when my dog has loose stools, it's because she ate something that didn't agree with her and within 24 hours she's fine. She's always with me in the house so I know exactly what she has consumed.

In your case, it has been over 24 hours. I would keep a close eye on the dog and have a fecal done just to be on the safe side.

 

[BowWowMeow]

Here is a great thread on poop: http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=666428&page=7&fpart=1

Welcome to the world of german shepherd poop!

The blood is most likely from straining.

I would have the vet test for parasites and giardia, just for starters. Hopefully it is something simple. And I would take him off of his kibble until he gets better. The general rule for diarrhea is to fast for 24 hours and then feed a mild homemade diet like double boiled rice (so it's the consistency of mush) with sweet potatoes and boiled, pureed chicken breast. Some people add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin too.

 

[chevysmom]

Thanks. I just went out and there was a small loose stool pile from last night and then a normal pile from this morning. I am going to try the fasting. He did eat this morning but I will skip his evening kibble.

 

[BowWowMeow]

If you have a normal poop this morning then I wouldn't fast unless the problem comes back during the day today. Go out without him while he's pooping so that you know what's going on.

My other dog does not have intestinal problems but does occasionally get into something that upsets her stomach. I would check your yard very thoroughly and pay attention to what Chevy is doing out there just to make sure if he did get into something that it doesn't happen again!

 

[chevysmom]

So we were gone for a few hours today for a Mother's Day celebration, came home and no accidents!

But after awhile of playing inside, he started to squat and was quickly rushed outside. I went out there with a flashlight to investigate and all I could find was some bloody mucus...now I'm really worried...any ideas? I am going to call the vet tomorrow...

 

[BowWowMeow]

Sounds like colitis. Why he has it is another story. I would fast him and then start the bland diet. I know you can't fast puppies as long as adults so I'd advise only skipping one meal and then giving him some of the homemade stuff with extra water so he gets the calories and nutrients but you go easy on his system.

I would definitely take in a stool sample to check for parasites and giardia, as I said before.

 

[chevysmom]

Another update...I fed him some plain rice this morning (which he loved) and a few minutes later, he had to go outside. His poop was of normal consistancy, a little lighter in color than normal. I am about to call the vet now to see what they say...

 

[JenM66]

Sounds like you may be on the road to recovery. Don't reintroduce his regular food or make the meals too large too soon. I always try to think about how I fee with a stomach virus and it takes me a few days to go back to my normal eating habits. Always a good idea to consult the vet, especially since he's so young. Keep us posted!

 

[chevysmom]

I ended up taking Chevy to the vet along with a stool sample. He was first weighed in and has lost three pounds in less than a weeks time. He had an exam, CBC, 6-test blood profile, Giardia snap test, and his stool was checked out. Everything came back good/normal. Doc said it's colitis but doesn't know what could be causing it. He got an antibiotic injection and is on Metronidazole 500mg for a week (2 pills/day). My poor lil guy

 

[JenM66]

Do you think you should run the test for EPI??

 

[chevysmom]

Originally Posted By: JenM66Do you think you should run the test for EPI??

I wasn't even sure what EPI was until I just read up on it but thanks for mentioning it! I am going to see how he does while being on the antibiotics and if there is no improvement at the end of the 7 days he's on it, then I will definatly ask our vet about getting him tested for EPI.