We have already discussed the colour code of dogs’ excreta. Black Excreta is a danger signal.
Excreta gets its normal colour from bile pigments, food they eat and things added from the intestine while it passes through the track. All food is digested and absorbed at the lower part of the small intestine and water is absorbed at the large intestine. The process is quite similar to the normal function of a human’s gut. Finally the movements of the large intestine form the shape of the excreta.
Excreta turn black if it is mixed with digested blood. From where does the blood come into the intestine?
To answer this question we should know the structure of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. Human Gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus. Digestion takes part within the stomach and small intestine. Same structures are present and the same functions are happening in dog’s gastrointestinal tract also, even though there are changes in shape and size.
Black excreta means it contains blood which is digested. To get blood, it should be added at the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. That indicates there can be ulcers in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Ulcers are small or big wounds in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and these ulcers ooze blood into the tract and get mixed with the food that is being digested.
Why do dogs get ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract?
1. Ulcers due to kidney failure
Dogs also can get kidney failure. This disease is much more common in older dogs. But young dogs may get acute kidney failure. Due to failure of the kidney urea will accumulate in the blood which would cause wounds in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines.
2. Ulcers due to poisoning
Ulcers can develop due to intake of poisons. Dogs sometimes accidentally eat rat poison, mosquito coils. Some people poison dogs on purpose. Dogs may develop wounds in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines as a result.
Signs
Black excreta may be linked with some other types of illnesses as well. Hence you have to inform the vet immediately.
Diagnosis
The vet may test a blood sample of your pet which can give a more detailed picture. Sometimes ultrasound scanning also helps for diagnosis.
Treatment
If more dangerous poison is ingested it will be life threatening. Severe kidney damage is also very dangerous as in Sri Lanka there are no facilities for kidney transplant for pets. Your vet will do accurate treatment to save the life of your pet. It is the owner’s responsibility to seek the vet’s advice as soon as you see your dog passing black excreta as it is a “dangerous symptom.”
