Should I worry about Addison's if my Yorkie had bloody stools but is now fine?

There are many possible causes for Gracie's recurrent symptoms, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Addison's disease, and cancer. You mention she was tested for parasites and worms, but has your vet run any blood work? Has Gracie had any X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound (sonogram of the belly)? It sounds like some testing is going to be needed to get an answer here. General blood work typically consists of 2 parts: #1)Complete blood cell count (CBC)- red cell count, white cell count, platelets #2)Chemistry panel liver/kidney values, electrolytes, proteins This information can clue your vet into what underlying issues may be going on and how severely her health is being affected. An abdominal ultrasound is a very helpful too as well-- it allows a measure of the thickness of the intestine (a process such as inflammatory bowel disease may cause thickening of the intestine), it allows us to assess the pancreas (pancreatitis-inflamation of the pancreas- will cause intermittent GI signs), we can see the liver and gallbladder, as well as just see overall if anything in the belly appears abnormal. Addison's disease (where the body does not make enough of its own cortisol) can be tested for with a blood test called an ACTH stim test. There is also a less expensive screening test called a "baseline cortisol." If the cortisol is high, then the dog DOES NOT have Addison's disease; that has been ruled out. If the cortisol is normal or low, an ACTH stim test is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Talk to your vet about possible tests fro Gracie to get to a diagnosis. I hope that helps you. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Yes, that is possible, but i think it is more likely that the signs you described are due to a colitis, which is an inflammation of the last part of the intestine, very commonly dietary related. As a first approach, I would suggest to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I would recommend adding on a Spec CpL test to look for pancreatitis, or you can have her referred to a specialty hospital who can perform ultrasound. Bloodwork doesn't always show changes in light of important diseases like cancer or gastrointestinal disease.

Hi, I am sorry to hear Fox is having these problems. If she has had pancreatitis once before, it is a possibility she has it again, as some dogs can get chronic pancreatitis. If her Amylase and Lipase are very high, she can have pancreatitis. If you want to know for sure an abdominal ultrasound is the next step. This can be done at some regular vets, or a speciality facility with the Internal medicine department. If your dog is not acting right, I suggest doing this test. Her hematocrit should be rechecked in 48 hours roughly to see if it is dropping. If it is holding steady, I would be less concerned. If it is dropping, there may be a blood disorder or a cancerous tumor that is bleeding internally. 32 is just on the low end. I strongly suggest rechecking her blood work if she is not getting better and getting an ultrasound. Your vet can tell you how to go about getting this. Good luck, and I hope Fox gets better!

Hello. I am so sorry that Bailey is so sick. The next step is to ultrasound her abdomen. This will show problems like thickened intestines that can not be seen on an x-ray. If something concerning is seen, sometimes a diagnosis can be made just by looking at the ultrasound, but sometimes a biopsy may be required. Hopefully, with some additional care with fluids, anti-nausea medication & antibiotics, she will be feeling better soon. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

When there is blood in the stool I do become a little more concerned. I would recommend a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, however I would still recommend an examination with a veterinarian tomorrow. That being said if he had a very bloody stool tonight, one that looks like raspberry jam, then he should be seen immediately. If he is developing a problem called HGE they can get very sick very quickly. If he starts vomiting that also increases my concern. I hope he improves quick.

Stomach ulcer, pancreatitis, Addison’s, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancers are all in my lists. If she hasn’t had a broad spectrum deworming then I would do that for sure even if fecal tests were negative. Also- if she has been on steroids she needs to wait weeks, Even months before the ACTH test for Addison’s can be run. It sounds like you and your veterinarian are on the right path to help find the cause. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.