Gastrointestinal (Gl) haemorrhage is an important cause of blood loss. Haematemesis and melaena are suggestive of Gl haemorrhage, but these signs are not always noted on initial assessment and even acute severe Gl haemorrhage may be overlooked if signs localising blood loss to the Gl tract are not present.12 Gl haemorrhage tends to be reported more frequently in dogs than in cats. In both canine and feline patients, Gl ulceration is the most common cause of Gl haemorrhage,25 so it is reasonable to administer Gl protectants prior to confirming the cause of Gl haemorrhage. In dogs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hepatic disease are frequent causes of Gl ulceration.3 In cats, neoplasia is a common cause of Gl ulceration.2 Severe thrombocytopenia should also be considered as a potential cause of Gl haemorrhage in dogs.6 Gl haemorrhage may be acute or chronic, occult (no visible blood) or overt (grossly visible blood), and can vary from mild self-limiting cases to severe life-threatening conditions.6 Mild cases may progress to become life-threatening, so it is important to rapidly identify patients with Gl haemorrhage and to initiate therapies to prevent deterioration. With acute severe Gl haemorrhage, the primary objective is to rapidly assess the patient's cardiovascular status and institute aggressive resuscitative efforts if shock is present. Most cases of Gl haemorrhage respond well to medical management, however surgery may occasionally be indicated.
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