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I started a thread about a month ago about my dog being uncomfortable and acting strangely. I took him to emergency vet and they diagnosed him with colitis and hookworms. He was started on Sulfasalazine and Rimadyl. He also gave me strongid for the hookworms. He was fine with the Sulfasalzine and the first couple doses of Rimadyl. But began to vomit 2 days later after being given the Rimadyl. So I stopped giving it to him and he was just in pain but seemed to be getting better. He was fine for 4-5 days then began to show no interest in food. He would eat a third of his bowl, then go back a couple hours later to eat a little more (he would chew each piece individually; not very dog-like if you ask me!). Then he would vomit up all of his food hours later. So this went on for a few days. Then last night he was laying down and suddenly threw up. It was ALL blood!!! And not the coffee ground looking stuff. This was RED blood and a lot of it (ruined the couch)! So off to the emergency vet again. They couldn't find anything without running diagnostic tests ($600). So they said they could treat it symtomatically ($400). They gave him injections of Zofran, Famotidine, and Ambi-pen. They also gave me to take home and give to him the next day Pancur, Carafate, Famotidine, Metoclopramide, and some Science Diet I/D. (It's not that I didn't want the tests, but we just couldn't afford $600 plus whatever mediaction he then needed.) Later on last night I was petting him and looked down and his butt was all matted and stinky. I looked over and there were these spots. And sure enough he was leaking BLOOD CLOTS out of his butt! Not the black tarry diarrhea stuff. They were dark red clots of blood!!! I called the emergency vet and they said keep an eye on him and see my vet in the morning. I was up all night with him and he threw up more blood with some coffee ground looking stuff; and when we left for the vet he was still leaking having butt leakage. So he was hospitalized and is there now. I was just hoping that y'all could give me any hints or insight as to what may be going on. I'm so scared for my Zoe, he's such a good boy and relatively young to be this ! I'm sorry this is so long, I just wanted y'all to have all the info. Thanx

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Don't have any info for you but I'm thinking good thoughts for Zoe .

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I am so, so sorry that this has happened. I'm a bit concerned why the vet gave him so many meds and changed his food (he did change the food, right?) if your dog has colitis. Colitis is a very sensitive condition, so I would be afraid that any change (med, food, or other) might make the situation worse. By chance did you ask for a second opinion?

It sounds just horrible... my thoughts are with you.

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He has never been good with taking pills; always upsets his stomach; so I was concerned with all the medications he gave. The meds he gave at the e-vet were injected though. I never got to give him the other meds because he got worse later last night. When I went to the vet this morning I had only given him one Carafate; which is a GI protectant; and he hadn't eaten since yesterday afternoon.

He was diagnosed with colitis about a week and a half ago and they changed his food Tuesday night but he never got to eat any. I guess the food is really bland, for dogs with GI problems.

If in the next couple days he does not get any better , I will be looking to get another opinion. But the first couple times were at the emergency vet clinic; so I got whosever working that night's opinion. He is at my primary vet clinic now. I have been going to them for awhile but they seem to be a little pricey. So maybe its time for a change.

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The vet called and said I can pick him up @5. I'm glad they think he's well enough to come home. Just concerned that they're not exactly sure what's causing it. Well, here's hoping for the best.

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What a very scary thing to happen,both for Zoe and you,how does the vet explain all the blood,it must have scared you senseless
Please keep us updated that he will improve
By the way,a lot of meds on an empty stomache,will probably make anyone sick

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It was extremely scary, like a horror movie with blood everywhere.

They didn't really give an explaination for anything. I feel like they're just putting a Band-Aid over a gunshot wound!!

I have been doing ALOT of research online and I've found that the intial symptom of colitits is watery diarrhea. He never had watery diarrhea, so why they think that's it is beyond me. And colitis is a large intestine inflammation if I'm correct. But with as much blood as he threw-up there's obviously something going on in his stomach like an ulcer, maybe even a perforated one. That would be the worst case scenario, but very possible. I need to stop thinking negatively though or I may be the one with the ulcer!

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I am so sorry to hear what Zoe and you are going through. It doesn't sound like colitis to me and I would get a second opinion asap.

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Thanks to everyone for your opinions and suggestions.
He seems to be ok tonight.
If his condition does not improve in a few days (more blood coming out either end), then I will be going to a different vet. I have talked to a couple friends who have recommended a vet clinic that they go to and like very much.

If anyone else has anymore insight, it would be very much appreciated. The more info the better.

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I read your post and am deeply concerned ~ I would NOT give it few more days. Regardless of whether there is ANY blood loss at all ~ take your dog to another Vet and if at all possible a teaching hospital as soon as possible. What your dog experienced is NOT normal.

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Please take him to a different vet, or at least phone the emergency clinic and ask them what they think you should do (though they'll probably say to bring him in).

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I have to tell you, having dealt with two dogs with colitis, I would get your dog to another vet as soon as possible. Not to be overly graphic, but pooping bloody mucous, for example, wouldn't be totally weird for a dog with colitis, but vomiting blood etc. seems beyond even what I've heard of with even extremely sever cases of colitis.

I wish you guys the best.

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Pitgrrl, I totally agree that it seems very extreme for colitis. Considering colitis is a intestinal inflammation, and vomiting blood would mean blood in the stomach, which makes me think ulcer. He is on Carafate which coats the GI tract and should start to patch an ulcer if he has one.

Spirit, he has been to the emergency vet twice already. They are the ones who diagnosed him with colitis. Though I'm beginning to think he was incorrectly diagnosed. Unfortunately this is the only emergency vet around.

mummummum, I looked and could not find a teaching hospital around. The closest being 7 hours a way.

He is doing better now. He went poop this morning and it was a little soft but normal color ( YAYYY!!). He is eating normally, not drinking so much, and somewhat back to himself (still won't play with Amira). But I am encouraged by his progress and will keep very close tabs on him until he returns to normal. If anything changes, I already have a new vet in mind.

I will keep y'all updated as he progresses. Thanx again for all your comments and suggestions. You guys are awesome.

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Jenn, that Zoe will continue to improve and yes,please keep us updated

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I am glad Zoe is doing better, but would be concerned about your vet, as I think he should have kept Zoe in the hospital after your second trip to him, instead of sending Zoe home. This seems kind of negligent to me. I would very definitely go get another opinion, even if Zoe seems well to you now. What has happened is not normally colitis, and the first vet still doesn't know the cause. This could just be a calm before another storm, and I would want another opinion right away.

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