My dog had intestinal surgery. Is dark stool normal during recovery?

Question

Hello, my 12 yr old lab had a mass removed from her small intestines 5 days ago. She had her first bowel movement today and the stool was dark. Would this be normal? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 12 years and 3 months old | 68 lbs

Daniel Fonza, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Yes, this would be expected as the surgical site is likely oozing a small amount of blood causing the stool to become tarry black. If this does not resolve or worsens, I would recommend having the veterinarian recheck her. I would also recommend checking her gum color and ensuring it is nice and pink. If it is pale, you need to have her seen immediately. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

My dog had intestinal surgery. Is dark stool normal during recovery?

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