7/24 Rosie AMPS 268 +5 152 - Black stool?

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Carol in Chicago

Carol in Chicago

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Rose has recently developed black stool. This is new. She has been carefully observed due to history of constipation. This started with obvious blackness Sat and Sun and has continued with some black color in the stool today. I will discuss with vet tomorrow. She already has an appointment for follow-up UA to confirm resolution re: long term UTI. She has just completed a 4 week course of amoxicillin.

My question here is more about preparing for the vet appointment. Rose just completed an initial 4-week ramp-up of Adequan which is helping her arthritis. Precautions and side effects of Adequan suggest that since it is related to heparin, it can cause bleeding problems so this is my first thought. Any other experience with black stool? What else should I be checking? When do I panic? Complete blood work was done Jan and April with no major problems other than DM reported.

Yesterday.
 
Hi Gill - Rose is not very active (unless food is involved!). No vomit. Not sure about her gums (almost no teeth - hard to tell).

No obvious change in LB volume, but she has had ongoing LB issues (now using pee pads near the LB). She has lost weight since Dx and diet change (no more dry and she is no longer free fed). I believe the Adequan has helped her to be more active (i.e. climb stairs multiple times / day) and she seems to be more engaged (i.e. begging for food), but in general she has low energy. Some suggested her low energy was due to the heat of summer, but she is in air conditioning all day. Part of her energy problem has been associated with constipation. She was struggling to the point of exhaustion. Working with her vet, Cisipride and Miralax have been adjusted over the last 2 weeks to improve so she is no longer struggling.

Sounds like you would suggest CBC to determine if she is anemic? Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
 
with Marvin, he had the black stool when constipated, black and extremely hard. I would have the same concern as you, am sure that vet will be able to confirm. Make sure to bring a sample to the vet.
 
Carol in Chicago said:
My question here is more about preparing for the vet appointment.
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Carol in Chicago said:
She has just completed a 4 week course of amoxicillin.
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Amoxi is very potent meds. I would ask my vet if a course of probiotics is good idea. Many here suggest human grade. I keep feline FortiFlora for Ducia, just in case.
Carol in Chicago said:
Sounds like you would suggest CBC to determine if she is anemic?
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That is what I would do. Black stool possible indicative of blood loss and that would explain anemia - weakness and low energy are the symptoms.
 
Hi Carol,

I'd ask the vet about blood too. My only experience with black stool was many years ago in my then very, very old kitty (almost 22) who had IBD. If Adequan can cause bleeding, that *might* be related. Good luck to you and Rosie. :bighug:
 
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