![]() However, if you are experiencing something new and unexplained-and it lasts more than a couple of days-see your doctor. Occasional bowel changes can be caused by a dietary change, disagreeable food or a viral/bacterial infection. Stool that is narrower than normal (even as thin as a pencil) Changes in Bowel HabitsĬhanges in bowel habits that can indicate colon or rectal cancer include the following:Ĭhanges in frequency or size and caliber of bowel movementsĪ bowel that doesn’t seem to empty completely Typically, patients with hemorrhoids experience symptoms that come and go with flare-ups, whereas rectal bleeding caused by cancer usually continues or worsens and is more likely to be accompanied by pain. Rectal bleeding can also be caused by hemorrhoids. Rectal Bleedingīright red blood in the stool typically indicates that there is bleeding in the rectum or colon, which may be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. ![]() This is called occult (hidden) blood and may not be discovered until a blood test indicates a low red blood cell count. Sometimes bleeding may be present but not visible. You may notice obvious blood the stool, or darker colored bowel movements, which may indicate that there is bleeding within the intestinal tract or rectum. These may include the following: Blood in the Stool Patients with colon cancer or rectal cancer may experience one or multiple symptoms. As the tumor grows, symptoms will depend on the location of the primary tumor within the intestine. Enlargement of the prostate in elderly, intact male dogs is therefore quite similar to the benign prostatic hyperplasia seen as men age.Colon and rectal cancers do not usually produce symptoms in the early stages of disease. it is estimated that, by 9 years of age, the chances for prostate enlargement in dogs is as high as 95 percent. The prostate is a gland situated directly below the bladder. Intact male dogs (not neutered) may undergo prostate enlargement, just like humans do. Benigns masses include perianal adenomas (mostly seen in intact male dogs), polyps and anal cysts, while malignant masses include forms of rectal cancer such as rectal adenocarcinomas. Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell whether a mass is cancer through a rectal exam alone without doing further testing. Dogs may develop a variety of masses in this area and these can be benign masses or malignant masses. In a rectal exam, the vet is checking for any abnormalities such as the presence of masses. ![]() A vet will put on gloves and check with his/her fingers for any abnormalities in the dog's rectal area. When a dog has pencil-thin poop, a vet will therefore typically conduct a physical examination including a rectal exam. Finding the source of anything obstructive or compressive causing a stricture in the passage of stools in this location, is important. Presence of a Rectal MassĪs mentioned, flat or narrow pencil-thin stools in dogs can be due to some degree of pressure or blockage changing the shape of the stool before it leaves the rectum. There are several possible underlying causes of narrow, pencil-thin poop in dogs that require investigation. Narrow stools in dogs may be indicative of an issue in the dog's colon or rectum restricting the poop as it comes out. If this is a one-time occurrence, it's a good idea to keep an eye on future bowel movements and see if it continues to happen.Ĭhecking with a veterinarian upon noticing any changes in a dog's bowel habits - such as narrower than normal stools, especially if it lasts longer than one to two weeks, is always recommended. The presence of pencil-like stools, also sometimes referred to as ribbon-like, thin, flat or narrow stools, may be indicative of a problem if they occur with a certain frequency. A dog's poop shape is due to its formation within the intestines. The cylindrical log-like shape is suggestive of the dog's lower intestine or rectum being in good shape. Normal dog stool is typically solid brown in color and shaped like a log, that is, cylindrical and preferably, easy to pick up, leaving no mess behind.
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