Complete Analysis of the Meaning of Cat and Dog Stool Colors!

In addition to the shape of the stool, the color can also provide a lot of information about the digestive tract!

Hematochezia

Hematochezia refers to the presence of bright red or dark red blood in the stool, which is different from melena. The distinction is made because if it is confirmed to be red, it can be determined that the lesion is caused after the large intestine.

The presence of fresh blood indicates that there is a wound or inflammation in the large intestine. It may be due to food-induced temporary colitis or local irritation caused by small foreign bodies. These two conditions usually do not last long and may gradually improve even without treatment.

However, if the problem is “recurrent” hematochezia, it indicates that there is “recurrent” inflammation or wounds in the large intestine, which may not be a simple issue. We have several suggestions and steps:

1. Stool examination and pathogen testing: To rule out parasites
2. Imaging examination: To confirm the condition of the large intestine and adjacent organs, looking for obvious signs of inflammation or masses
3. If not very serious, dietary adjustments can be discussed first, but continued follow-up is necessary
4. Endoscopy examination: The location and cause of bleeding in the large intestine can be found through endoscopy, and sampling can be performed when problems are seen

“Any recurrent symptoms usually indicate a chronic disease.”

Melena

Melena, as the name suggests, is the darkening of stool color to black, black and shiny, as black as freshly laid asphalt. When the location of gastrointestinal bleeding is not in the large intestine but in the stomach or small intestine, the blood stays in the digestive tract for a longer time. The hemoglobin in red blood cells is gradually digested by the intestines, producing black pigment.

Such stool is likely caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is one of the situations I fear the most because:

1. It is not possible to directly press to stop bleeding, and blood will flow for a longer time, and a larger bleeding point will quickly lead to severe anemia
2. Until black stool is passed, we cannot confirm that there is gastrointestinal bleeding, but it is likely that severe anemia has already occurred before this
3. It is likely that blood transfusion will be needed, and I dislike blood transfusion (I seem to dislike many things)

Iron-containing medications (blood-tonic drugs, some phosphorus-lowering drugs) and foods high in iron can also cause the color of stool to turn black, but if black stool is found without consuming these things, and the animal has obvious gastrointestinal symptoms or a decline in spirit and appetite, it is necessary to seek medical examination as soon as possible!

Achalasia

The yellow-brown color of stool is produced after bile is metabolized by intestinal bacteria, and bile is a digestive fluid manufactured by the liver and finally sent into the intestines through the bile ducts.

So when the bile duct is blocked, and bile cannot enter the intestines, the stool will be white.

However, bile duct obstruction usually also appears with other more serious symptoms, so it is rare to come to the clinic because of white stool. If you really come to the clinic, it is often because too many bones have been eaten, making the stool look white.