![]() The most common causes are usually diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that create ulcerations or cause bleeding into the tract. There are many potential causes for melena. It is best to determine the underlying cause and treat the specific problem. The presence of melena generally warrants hospitalization, extensive diagnostic testing, and supportive care. A careful history and thorough physical examination of these patients is essential. Ingestion of blood must be ruled out, including swallowing blood from the oral cavity or respiratory tract, and licking blood from a wound. Melena may be seen as the only clinical sign, although other systemic signs often accompany it. The classic appearance of melena is black, shiny, sticky, foul-smelling feces with a tarry consistency. Melena usually indicates the presence of significant upper gastrointestinal disease, although occasionally other diseases (such as clotting disorders, ingestion of blood, etc.) unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract may present with melena. Additionally, report any other signs to your veterinarian. Observe your dog’s general activity and appetite, and watch closely for the recurrence of melena, and/or presence of blood in any vomitus. In severe cases, hospitalization is warranted for intravenous fluid therapy, blood transfusions, and supportive care.Īdminister any prescribed medications and follow all dietary recommendations as directed by your veterinarian.Drugs that block the production of stomach acid and coat the stomach may be recommended.Avoid all gastrointestinal irritants like corticosteroids, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Dietary recommendations vary depending on the cause however, a bland diet that is easy to digest may be recommended.Individuals with melena may be treated as outpatients if there are minimal systemic signs, especially if there is a known cause that can be removed immediately.There are several things your veterinarian might prescribe to treat your dog symptomatically while results of diagnostic tests are pending: Serology for certain infectious diseases.Abdominal and chest radiographs (X-rays).To determine the exact cause of melena in dogs, additional tests are usually necessary and include the following: Other areas of bleeding or bruising on the bodyĪ thorough history and physical examination are often helpful in determining if melena is present and in suggesting an underlying cause.Ingestion of heavy metals (uncommon causes).Gastrointestinal ischemia (lack of blood supply).Perioperative hemorrhage (bleeding associated with surgery on the intestinal tract).Metabolic and other diseases that cause gastrointestinal ulceration.Infiltrative and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.Foreign bodies in the stomach or intestines.Bleeding into the colon or rectum ( hematochezia) appears as fresh blood in the stool. The bleeding must be high in the intestinal tract in order for the blood to be digested and become discolored. Melena develops when bleeding occurs into the stomach or small intestines. It must especially be addressed if it persists or worsens. Melena may represent a severe, life-threatening illness, and should not be ignored. ![]() Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool (hematochezia). Melena, in dogs, is the presence of digested blood in the feces and makes the stools appear black and tarry. Overview of Melena (Bloody Stools) in Dogs
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |