kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
For months now, I have wanted to take the cat stools in to the vet to get tested but lack of funds have kept me from doing this.
Oncea again, when I cleaned up the litter box there was blood in her stools.
She was/is a stray cat that Rosie adaopted. Health has been fine. She eats well..we have ahd her fo r afew years now.
I didn't notice the blood in her stools whwen we first got her as she would go out to toilet...she didnt' like the litter I had for her
But changed litter and now she still likes to go out several times in the am but toilets in her litter box.
AT first I read that it could be caused by food irrattion (SP)
Hoping to get her stools in to be tested out of next month's budget.
But, in the mean time any other suggestions as to why she has bood in her stools.
Thsi has been going on a while now...
when she does go out in the am it is usually with Rosie and I when I take Rosie out to toilet. She doens't go far stays close to home.
Typing with eyes closed.
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
Here's a good site regarding the (Cat blood in stool).
I think this type of visit to the Vet will be very, very $$$$$$$ (costly).
Cat World > Cat Health > Blood in Cat Stool (Hematochezia) - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Blood in Cat Stool (Hematochezia) - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Hematochezia refers to the presence of bright red (fresh) blood in the stool, the occasional sighting of blood in the feces is usually of little concern, however if it is a regular occurrence it is something which needs to be investigated.
Bright red blood in the feces is generally an indication of bleeding in the lower intestine (colon/rectum). It is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a disease in itself.
There can be a number of causes of blood in the stool, some of which include:
Constipation - difficulty passing feces. Hard, dry stools can cause irritation in the bowel and anus, leading to bleeding.Intestinal parasites (cryptosporidium, worms) - Cryptosporidium causes inflammation which leads to bleeding, parasitic worms such as hookworm or roundworms suck the blood from the intestinal wall, resulting in blood in the stool.
Bacterial infection such as salmonella or e.coli can cause inflammation of the colon (colitis).Dietary indiscretion - consumption of a hard object such as a bone fragment.Dietary intolerance or allergy to a particular type of food. Inflammatory bowel disease - Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause still isn't entirely understood but it is thought to be due to the presence of bacteria, dietary intolerance or parasites.
Inflammatory cells infiltrate the mucosa leading to inflammation. Colitis - Inflammation of the colon caused by infection, dietary intolerance, cancer, pancreatitis, bacterial infection stress.Poisoning - There are many poisons which can lead to blood in the stool.Impacted anal glands - The anal glands are two small sacs on either side of the anus, when the cat defecates, the glands release a thick, foul smelling substance.
Sometimes these glands become inpacted and inflamed, leading to infection and/or an abscess.Cancer - Malignant growth, usually in the lower bowel. Rectal, anal and colon polyps - Benign (non cancerous) growths.
If you notice blood in your cat's stool it is advisable to seek veterinary attention. Look out for other symptoms too such as loss of appetite, appearance of parasites, lethargy, vomiting etc., as this can assist your vet in determining the cause.
Other symptoms to watch for:
If you notice blood in your cat's stool, be alert to other problems your cat may be experiencing so that you can inform your veterinarian. Is there a lot of blood in the stool, is there mucus too? Other symptoms to watch for include:
Straining to defecate.Increased amount of bowel movements.Pain when defecating.Abdominal pain.Vomiting.Diarrhea.Fever.Presence of abnormal growths.Weight loss.
Lethargy.Loss of appetite.Blood around the anus.Often there will be no accompanying symptoms, but this doesn't rule out an underlying problem. If you notice blood in your cat's stool more than once or twice, it needs to be investigated, even without other symptoms present.
How is the cause of blood in stool diagnosed?
If possible, try to obtain a fecal sample to bring along to the vet for inspection.
Your veterinarian will perform a complete medical examination of your cat and obtain a medical history from you. He may wish to perform further tests to determine the cause of bleeding. These may include:
Fecal examination to check for parasites.Complete blood count to look for infection, inflammation, anemia. Abdominal x-rays to look for growths, foreign bodies and check the internal organs. Abdominal ultrasound to look for growths, foreign bodies and check the internal organs.
Biopsy - If a mass is found, your veterinarian may wish to perform a biopsy to examine a sample of the cells.Biochemical profile to determine the overall health of your cat.
Urinalysis.Colonoscopy - Visual examination of the colon with an endoscope while the cat is under sedation. If necessary, tissue will be collected for biopsy.What is the treatment for blood in feces?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
Laxatives and/or stool softeners to help with constipation.Appropriate treatment to kill parasites such as anti-parasitic medication, de-worming. Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.Change in diet.
If a food allergy is suspected, your cat will be put on a special "elimination" diet, in which it will be fed a prescription diet which it has had no prior exposure to (such as duck). If the allergy symptoms clear up, the cat will then be "challenged" and if the allergies return, it is determined the food is the cause of the allergy and your cat will be switched to another brand of food. Surgery to remove polyps or tumours. Enema to try and flush out foreign bodies etc.
If this isn't possible, surgery will be required to remove the object(s).If the anal glands are impacted, your veterinarian will drain the glands and flush out with antibiotics. If the problem recurs then your veterinarian may decide to remove the anal glands. Supportive care such as IV fluids to correct dehydration, where other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea have occurred.Also see:
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I wish you could get her to the vet. is there a free clinic near. this is serious.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
My senior "phat cat" gets blood around her stools also.
She has two things causing this:
-she is overweight and anal glands do not release naturally. I have to do them monthly as maintenance.
-she had hard poops so she strains
It is just on the end half of the poop, so is not in her poop, just lightly coating the end half.
Fish based food is helping her with the constipation.
Is the blood on the outside of the poo, and coagulated looking?
Or is the poo black in colour indicating the problem is further up.
This is at least a $400 vet visit. (exam stool culture and bloodwork)
Not worth it if the cat is just constipated.
Over the counter cat dewormers can be purchased at pet shops for under $30 (note: cats need different dewormers than dogs)
Diecetomous earth is a holistic dewormer. Takes time but is affordable.
If the poos are very hard, maybe the cat just needs more fish oil in the diet.
Hope this helps.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
not able to read all that was posted. I'll be back to read more.
Thanks
It is not in the stool but here and there on the outer part of the stool.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
quote:It is not in the stool but here and there on the outer part of the stool.
To me it sounds like what GretaM said, it maybe just - hard poops, strains, constipation etc.
Read her post again....
Good luck, Steve
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
at least I don't think the blood is in the feces. I haven't checked...what I see is on the outside covering of the stool.
brain is still not co operating so still wtg to read the info posted.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
Call your vet to see how much it would be just to test the stool. It may not be as expensive as you think. It could be constipation, but you need to be sure.
This happened with our cat, and it was constipation. Our vet has us give her a little pumpkin with her meals.
Posts: 4682 | Registered: Oct 2000
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
I will send an email....i usually can't do the phone thing due to health
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
got an answer back from one place. $28.00 if i recall correctly.
So taking the stools in next month. I think. As I am typing this, I am think i might read the above info when able.
as i would think i might be able to see parasites in her stools if i put on my glasses and look.
but that might be faulty thinking
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
You wouldn't see any parasites except tapeworms. The others are too small.
Posts: 27 | From North Carolina | Registered: Aug 2014
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
OK Thanks.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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