18-Year-Old Spitz Vomiting Blood With Black, Tarry Stools
by Patricia
(Branson)
Reader Question
I have an 18yr old female Spitz. She has a Mammary Gland tumor that was said to be cancerous. She has been in good spirits c no S/S of distress. No vet would remove the tumor because of her age. Last night she began vomiting frank blood and it faded and she went to sleep. This morning I woke to find HUGE PLATE SIZE areas of black tarry stools all over my kitchen and in every room of my house. I took Dottie out as usual and her feces were the same large amounts of the black tarry stool. No one wants to see her...
Answer from Our Team
This is an emergency. Vomiting blood plus large amounts of black, tarry stool means significant bleeding into the stomach or upper intestine, for example from an ulcer, a tumor or a clotting problem. Dogs can lose a dangerous amount of blood this way, even if they seem calm.
Please go to an emergency hospital now, even if your regular vets won't see her. Pale gums, weakness, fast breathing or collapse are signs of serious blood loss. Given her age and cancer, the emergency team can also talk with you about comfort-focused options.
See blood in dog stool for what black stool means.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
