Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Life threatening intestinal bleeding in Bearded Collie from horse
By Rohner Mächler, M et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2004·Klinik fü·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: [Life threatening intestinal bleeding in a Bearded Collie associated with a food supplement for horses].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Bearded Collie was brought to the vet after showing signs of acute weakness, vomiting blood, and having black, tarry stools. Tests revealed severe gastrointestinal bleeding, but no clear cause was found initially. After further questioning, it was discovered that the dog had been given a food supplement meant for horses, which contained ingredients that could potentially cause bleeding. While the exact link wasn't confirmed, the vet advised that even natural supplements can have harmful effects on pets. The dog received supportive care, but the outcome details were not specified.
People also search for: Bearded Collie vomiting blood · dog food supplement side effects · gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs · what to do if dog is weak and vomiting · natural supplements for dogs safety
Abstract
In a Bearded Collie with acute weakness, hematemesis, melena, painful abdomen and pale mucous membranes a hematocrit of 13% and panhypoproteinemia were found. This combination of findings was the manifestation of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite intensive laboratory and imaging investigations no systemic or local cause could be identified. After repeated client interrogation it was found that the dog had been receiving a food supplement for equines. It was further detected that this supplement besides a shell extract also contained willow (Salicaceae) and meadowsweet (Filipendula, Spiraea ulmaria) which contain salicin.Thus, the administration of this supplement was considered a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Even though measurement of toxic metabolites in the blood was not obtained and a cause-and-effect relationship not definitively proven, on principle it must be taken into consideration that any natural and so-called harmless agent supposed to have a positive effect may be associated with adverse effects in a predisposed individual.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15526604/