Bloody Mucous

[RVsBoxer]

Hi guys,

I recently switched Wilson to Innova Evo Red Meat (dry). I did the whole gradual change, and was also adding a little innova evo canned food (he won't eat just dry). He was licking his bowl clean the first 2 1/2 days but then yesterday evening he wouldn't eat. This morning he also wouldn't eat. I noticed his stool was a little soft so figured the change upset his stomach a little.

I decided to take him to the park earlier. Probably not the best idea but it's what we do on the weekend and he loves going so much that I felt bad keeping him home. Also, he wasn't acting strange or anything.

Anyway while there he pooped and it was really soft (not actual diarrhea though). Then a little later on he went again and when I went to pick it up it wasn't poop at all, it was just a puddle of bloody mucous...

I called my vet but they were closing and said I should drop off a stool sample tomorrow morning.

Any advice/ideas as to what this could be? Just a really upset stomach or something more serious??? He also goes to daycare a couple days during the week but he's up to date on shots and heartworm preventative.

Thanks and sorry for the long email...

 

[Austin's Mom]

Sounds like it could be colitis. When my Austin had this I fed him small amounts of boiled chicken and rice-the long grain kind not the instant. Maybe that will help.

 

[ghsheffield]

Definitely sounds like colitis. Although he hasn't been diagnosed officially, I am pretty sure the Diesel has colitis. We noticed the bloody/mucous in his stool when he got the new formula of Canidae. Not sure if Canidae was the problem, or if he just developed it at the time. Anyway, we switched from Canidae to Innova with no luck. We then went to Wellness Core and are now on California Natural. Things are going well now, no blood or mucous in his stool. However, they are still very soft. Hoping to give it some time b/c of all changes to his diet (started in November). If this doesn't work we will be going to Raw or home cooked meals.

After reading a lot of the posts on this topic, many have had success going to a raw or home cooked diet. The issue with colitis is that it can not be cured and the kibble will irritate the large intestine. The raw or home cooked diet should, in theory, be easier on the GI tract.

If you go the vet, they will want to do tests for parasites. However, the only way to confirm the colitis is to get a sample of cells in the large intestines. If positive, your vet will want to put your dog on a Rx diet, which will be low grade food. You will be better off switching to something like California Natural or raw/home cooked and saving your $$$.

Good luck.

 

[RVsBoxer]

Thanks for the response guys. Wilson is doing a lot better today. I have been feeding him boiled chicken and rice (which of course he LOVES ) and both times he went this afternoon the stool looked good and there was no blood.

My only question now is if I should continue making the switch in a few days when he's better or try to find another food?? I am wondering if I gave him too much of the Innova Evo food too soon. Started with about 20% first 2 days and was giving him 33% (1/3rd) by the 3rd day. But I was also giving him the evo canned which maybe proved to be just too much of something new.

Any thoughts? I don't want to make him sick again, but it seems like such an awesome food for him. I am trying to keep him off of chicken and turkey for a while, and he's not big on fish. This is probably the only grain free that has none of that .

Thanks