Blood in stool - two vets with differing plans-- looking for advice!

idon1404

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I have a 5-year old cat with red blood (about 1/8 tsp) coming out after she poops. I first noticed this in mid July and brought a stool sample to vet#1. Stool sample tested negative and nothing was unusual with her anal exam. The vet advised mineral oil/pumpkin/or Miralax. I went the mineral oil way for 5 days and saw no improvement for her condition. The vet came back to suggest Hill's Hydrolyzed Protein kibble and if that didn't improve things then to do a colonoscopy. I wasn't thrilled about starting the hydrolyzed diet but started to transition her to it anyways. I'm a bit skeptical that a sudden food allergy would cause the blood so I decided to seek out another vet.

My cat is otherwise eating, drinking and acting fine.

Vet #2 says the first thing we need to do is move my cat to a raw protein (no plant, no kibble) diet. I mentioned some hesitation as she is in the midst of the transitioning to the other diet and we will be traveling soon (hard to get a cat sitter to visit 2x a day). Vet #2 prescribed Lactulose as a stool softener and Maropitant as an anti-inflammatory. I started the lactulose and, after one dose, the stool was much softer but still some blood. I was unsuccessful in getting the Maropitant pill down my cat's throat -- it's a super bitter pill and she was having none of it! (looking at getting a transdermal gel version). If this doesn't resolve it, Vet#2 wants to do a slew of diagnostic blood tests and then an ultrasound.

As you can see, I have two different philosophies to try and make sense of. From the experience of the group here --
-- Can cats develop food allergies that can cause red blood in the stool?
-- Has anyone seen a raw diet improve stools when there is blood?
-- Anyone have success with Maropitant improving blood in the stool?

TIA for sharing any experiences you have!
 

Furballsmom

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Hi
I'm not able to answer your questions, but I'm coming down on the side of doing tests, if the transdermal doesn't help.

A note, ibd kitties often do well with raw.
 

FeebysOwner

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A lot of questions.

First off, was your cat demonstrating signs of constipation? Red blood in the stool is indicative of a lower intestinal issue, rather than something from the stomach or upper intestines. So, yes, it can be brought on by food allergies, food changes, along with a host of other issues. Your current food could have changed in its ingredients to cause a problem.

Secondly, I have no idea what Maropitant is supposed to do in your cat's case. it is primarily used as an anti-emetic (for nausea), but I have no idea how/if it works as an anti-inflammatory. Maybe the wrong med?

New food might take a while to reap results, so don't be too impatient in that regard. You may have to go raw, but IMO, that seems premature.
 

catsknowme

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If the cause of the blood is stress or constipation, extra play time and comfort grooming might help. I have had cats suddenly get blood in the stool even though they are eating the same foods as always. I feed both kibble and canned - the cats who prefer kibble seem to be more prone to blood in the stool. Doing feral rescue, my budget plus complicated family obligations don't allow me the option of going raw.
You might find this article useful:
Blood in Cat Poo, What Does it Mean? | Purina.
 
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idon1404

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A lot of questions.

First off, was your cat demonstrating signs of constipation? Red blood in the stool is indicative of a lower intestinal issue, rather than something from the stomach or upper intestines. So, yes, it can be brought on by food allergies, food changes, along with a host of other issues. Your current food could have changed in its ingredients to cause a problem.

Secondly, I have no idea what Maropitant is supposed to do in your cat's case. it is primarily used as an anti-emetic (for nausea), but I have no idea how/if it works as an anti-inflammatory. Maybe the wrong med?

New food might take a while to reap results, so don't be too impatient in that regard. You may have to go raw, but IMO, that seems premature.
Thanks for your reply -- Maropitant was what was prescribed-- it does have some mention online that it has some anti-inflammatory properties. Super difficult to get it down in pill form -- very bitter and causes frothing at the mouth. I have foregone giving that for now and am doing low dosage of the stool softener. Will be keeping with the hydrolyzed protein kibble for now.
 
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idon1404

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If the cause of the blood is stress or constipation, extra play time and comfort grooming might help. I have had cats suddenly get blood in the stool even though they are eating the same foods as always. I feed both kibble and canned - the cats who prefer kibble seem to be more prone to blood in the stool. Doing feral rescue, my budget plus complicated family obligations don't allow me the option of going raw.
You might find this article useful:
Blood in Cat Poo, What Does it Mean? | Purina.
Thanks for your comments and observations. The kitty is definitely on the needier side of attention, so stress could be part of this.
 

Timmer

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I had this happen to a male cat I had and he had colitis and then we discovered a few weeks later after testing that he had IBD. Our vet never even talked to me about food. He was given metronizadol and then later on prednisone.
 
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