Blood in diarrhea

[Jen]

Hello Everyone:
Floyd has been off the juice for about a month now. He was diagnosed in early March, but only stayed on insulin for about 3 weeks. In that he went into remission so quickly, I did not learn how to do his levels myself (I took him to the vet's weekly; last time I was there the vet said to come back in a month for retesting and to monitor his urine production and water intake, both of which have been good).

Since I switched his food (again back in March), he has had diarrhea. The vet put him on a probiotic but it doesn't seem to have had much of an effect. This morning, right outside of his litter box there was a small amount of mostly clear diarrhea (there was a bit of feces in it), but also some blood.

His appetite has been good.

Do I need to be concerned?

Thanks,
Jen

 

[Larry and Kitties]

From your description, I would not be concerned now. I would monitor the feces and If it does not clear up shorter a vet visit may be in order.

 

[BJM]

He may have a food allergy or sensitivity irritating his colon.

Keep a log of what you feed and what is in it vs when you observe symptoms. This will help you identify if any specific thing always preceeds the blood in the stool.
Some possibile allergens are: corn, wheat, rice, gluten, pea, soybean, chicken, turkey, fish, beef, lamb, venison.

One option is to rotate through foods so you never hit the same thing 2 meals in a row (this can be tough!)

Another is to get a "novel protein source" ie, one you have not been feeding. Duck or Venison and pea is a combo I have seen over the counter, otherwise, you may have to try a prescription diet (pricey) or make your own (safer).