A dog passes blood in the stools
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 2014-07-26

The old dog was not vaccinated and passed blood while boarded at a pet shop. A parvoviral test on the faeces must be done to check for parvovirus. 

It was negative. After an IV drip and medication, the dog went home on the next day and was OK after that. 

The cause could be change of diet or other bacterial infections at the boarding kennel. 

As most dog owners do not vaccinate their older dogs against parvovirus, chances of older dogs getting parvoviral infections do occur. If the vet fails to do a parvoviral stool test in a boarded dog with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, it could be a case of negligence, if the owner complains to the vet authorities or sues. Other tests like stool tests for parasites and bacteria were not performed as the owner wanted the least medical costs.

ADVICES TO DOG OWNERS
1. Vaccinate your dog against parvoviral infections yearly, esp. if you do board your dogs or take your dog to dog runs.  Vaccinate your dog at lest 2 weeks before boarding if you do not vaccinate your pet regularly or ask for the parvoviral antibody checks which can be expensive and seldom requested at the vet in Singapore.

Case study is at:
 https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2014/07/1429-blood-in-stools-check-for.html