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An owner says his dog has lost weight, but still had a good appetite. The next morning the owner noticed the dog had diarrhea with fresh blood. The dog is anemic. Diagnosis?

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Final answer:

The symptoms described in the dog, such as weight loss, bloody diarrhea, and anemia, are suggestive of a parasitic infection like hookworms. A fecal examination and blood tests would likely be conducted by a veterinarian to diagnose the condition. Treatment would involve medication for the parasites and supportive care for symptoms like anemia and dehydration.

Step-by-step explanation:

A dog exhibiting symptoms such as weight loss despite a good appetite, diarrhea with fresh blood, and anemia could be suffering from a parasitic infection such as hookworms. These parasites can cause significant health issues including gastrointestinal distress and anemia, as they attach to the wall of the intestine and feed on the dog's blood.

Considering the clinical signs, a vet might conduct a fecal examination to look for eggs or parasites, and blood tests to assess the extent of the anemia and overall health status of the dog.

Immediate medical treatment is essential to manage the infection and to prevent more severe health complications. In addition to medication to address the hookworms, supportive care may be necessary to treat anemia and dehydration caused by the diarrhea.

Owners should also be informed about proper hygiene and preventive measures to avoid reinfection and to protect other pets and humans, as hookworms can penetrate the skin from contaminated soil.

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