Small amount of blood in stool

[jennythebeardie]

Hey guys, my beardie Jenny has been having some unhealthy looking stool lately. It started as foul smelling loose stool about a week ago-not completely liquid, but also not healthy and solid. I went away on spring break two weeks ago and left Jenny with a petsitter so I figured the loose stool was just residual stress from being in a new environment for a week without me. However, over a week later and her stool is still not solid...plus i just spotted a very small amount of blood in todays stool.
I feel her a salad every morning (lately it's been kale and either bell peppers or blueberries) topped with mealworms. Yes, I know mealworms are a bad staple live feeder but I'm strapped for cash right now and they are much cheaper than any other feeder I could find. This is what I've been feeding him for about the past month as before that I was feeding him twice a day but as he's approaching one year old and getting kind of chubby I figured it was time to switch to feeding once a day. It might be worth mentioning his behavior and everything else about him is completely normal. He is alert and active, shedding just fine, and has his usual voracious appetite. So basically I really don't know why his stool looks the way it does but seeing that little bit of blood today has got me really worried...any suggestions?

 

[CooperDragon]

The blood could be from straining a bit and isn't necessarily an issue but I'd keep a close eye on that. If it has been smelly and runny for a few weeks now it probably warrants a vet visit with a fresh sample to test it for parasites.

 

[jennythebeardie]

The blood could be from straining a bit and isn't necessarily an issue but I'd keep a close eye on that. If it has been smelly and runny for a few weeks now it probably warrants a vet visit with a fresh sample to test it for parasites.

I called the only place in my area that will see exotics and their price for a fecal was reasonable but then they told me they wouldn't tell me the actual results of the fecal unless I brought Jenny in for the vet to examine- which would be an ADDITIONAL cost. ugh. Good to know the blood could be a non issue though, that makes me feel a lot better!

 

[CooperDragon]

That's actually a good sign. A responsible vet will want to have a general exam to take into account any other signs of problems that could relate to the tests. It's good to have an annual exam done to set a baseline which helps if there are problems down the road. It's also helpful to establish a relationship with a vet so you are familiar with eachother and it's good to have a vet you trust.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I agree, it is probably just some issues with straining or maybe a little bit of constipation
due to the mealworms.
That is actually good the vet wanted to see her though after doing a fecal. It's always a
great thing to have a decent vet around, too!
You could try giving some probiotics to help settle her system if needed, such as a non
dairy acidophiliz powder or a non dairy soy yogurt.
Let us know how she is doing.

Tracie