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My dog has bloody stool after spay, tests negative. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 11.8 lbs

My dog has been having bloody stool for 5 days now and I took a stool sample in on Thursday for testing on parasites she is recently spayed too anyways test results came back negative so now I'm left wondering why she has blood in her poop because she didn't until her spay surgery.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 10th, 2018

Hello. The surgical incision looks very good, & her stool is normal, so this may be a case of stress-induced colitis. If she is otherwise feeling well, eating & drinking normally, then I would not be too concerned. The blood should go away. If there is still blood present in the stool when you go back to have the staples removed, ask your veterinarian about trying a round of the antibiotic, Metronidazole. It has some anti-inflammatory properties & is an excellent medication for possible infections in the gut. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2018
Actually yes, stress is a major cause of colitis in these cases and will have that appearance of fresh blood in the stool. This is sometimes seen a day or two after surgery, but usually clears up in three days. If it has been going on for longer than three days, then I would contact your vet again.

The incision appears to be healing well from what I can see in the photos. As long as she is otherwise eating, drinking and acting normal, I would not be too concerned.

I hope that helps and Harley gets better soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 29th, 2018
Poor girl. Some pets get stressed after surgery and can have a bit of hemorrhagic enteritis (bloody stool) If she is otherwise normal with normal pink salmon colored gums, then this is likely the cause. I would contact your vet in the morning to get her seen and treated for this with medication (i.e. Metronidazole and probiotics).
Other possible (rare) causes are an early onset of a coagulation (clotting) disoder or early onset pancreatitis (usually causes vomiting and lack of appetite also.

I hope that Pudge makes a full and speedy recovery from her recent GI upset following her surgery. Your vet can get her on the medication she needs to get well soon! Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 13th, 2017
Hi there. Poor Mia- a rough few days! Blood in the stool, or colitis, is not a normal occurrence. However, we do know that stress can cause or be a factor in colitis. And she has had a lot of stress on her body this week! I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. I usually put these guys on a very bland diet and probiotics. Occasionally I also start antibiotics if I have a concern about an infectious process. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon! Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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