Internal bleeding in pups is one of the worst problems that can occur, at any time. Sadly, most people with dogs don't think about internal bleeding until it's too late. So they end up losing their dog. This article will provide help in figuring out what internal bleeding in dogs can be, and how to identify the symptoms associated with it. Use this information to help keep your dog safe from unnecessary bleeding.
Symptoms
If you have ever wondered how to tell about internal bleeding in dogs then you are at the right place. This article has everything that you must know. There are no specific symptoms and they vary according to the site. However, there are some common symptoms that you should keep an eye on:
- Breathing difficulty
- Weakness
- Distended abdomen
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Decreased appetite
- Collapse
- Fast breathing
Common Signs
As you know, signs and symptoms vary depending on the site of bleeding in dogs. However, in internal bleeding, some common signs are:
Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. This can happen because your dog has internal bleeding, which means that blood is leaking out of the veins and into their tissues. It is very important to check anemia because your dog should have bubble pink gums. However in case of internal bleeding your dog will have a pale tongue and gums. Another sign that you will see is a weakness that occurs due to anemia.
Capillary Refill Time
Slow capillary refill time is a measure of how long it takes for your dog's capillaries to refill with blood after being pinched. It's measured by pinching your dog's gums, and then waiting until the skin color returns to normal. If the skin color takes more than 2 seconds to get back to the original then there is a chance of internal bleeding.
Irritation
It's not always obvious that your dog is experiencing internal bleeding, as the symptoms are often vague and can include lethargy or irritability. If there is internal bleeding in your dog, take him to the vet immediately.
Bruising Signs
One more common sign that you will notice in internal bleeding in dogs is the bruises that are seen as red or blue dots which are also known as petechiae.
Bleeding from Orifices
It's important to know that internal bleeding can present itself in many different ways.
If your dog is bleeding from the mouth, nose, or ear it could be a sign of internal bleeding. However, there are other signs as well. If you notice that your dog has been urinating more than usual or seems to be straining when they go to the bathroom, these could be signs that they are experiencing internal bleeding.
If your dog's stool has bright red blood, this means that the bleeding is happening in his lower digestive tract. This is known as hematochezia. If you notice coffee brown stools, this means that the bleeding is coming from his upper digestive tract.
In the case of blood in urine, it might be due to injury to the bladder. You may also see your dog's trouble urinating.
Tachycardia or Fast Breathing
When the blood in the dog's body decreases it will have a negative effect on the body. The heart has to pump hard with whatever amount of blood is left in it. This will result in faster breathing also known as tachycardia.
Collapse
If you see your dog collapse suddenly and without warning, it could be a sign that his circulatory system is not functioning properly.
Causes
There are many reasons behind internal bleeding in canines. One of the main causes of internal bleeding is cancer.
In dogs the common cancer is Hemangiosarcoma. It starts in cells that line blood vessels. This cancer occurs anywhere in the body, but it's most common in the spleen and lungs.
Another common cause of internal bleeding is:
- Rat bait poisoning
- Tumors
- The bone fracture causes damage to internal organs
- Immune-mediated blood disorders
- Fight that lead to internal injuries to organs
- Splenic, kidney, and liver lacerations
Treatment
If you suspect your dog is suffering from internal bleeding, take him to the vet immediately. Your first step should be to wrap your dog in a dry towel. You want to do this gently, so as not to cause any additional injury.
Once you've wrapped your dog in the towel, you can carry it to your car and take it to the vet. Take good care of the dog and place one arm around the front legs and chest and with the other arm to support the hind legs. Speak to your pet in a soft and calm tone while going to the vet.
In case your dog has any kind of traumatic injury like a traffic accident or fight then you have to hospitalize your dog immediately.
Your vet will take a look at your dog and assess the situation. If he isn’t breathing well, they'll give oxygen therapy. In case your dog is feeling pain, painkillers will be given. They may also infuse intravenous fluids if needed.
If your dog has an inconsistent heartbeat, antiarrhythmic drugs will be given. In case of tumors and fractured bones, surgery will be done.
Recovery
You've probably heard that the first few weeks are very crucial in recovery. Your dog needs extra rest, a good diet, and no exercise. If your pet has sustained injuries, it may be necessary to restrict his mobility for a longer period of time. It is important to keep an eye on your pet's condition so that you can provide the best care for it during this time.
It's important to check your dog's wounds for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge from wounds. It's important to keep your pet's dressing clean and to change it regularly. If your pet has stitches or any other external wounds, make sure that it doesn't hurt itself by biting at the wound, or worse, ingesting the bandage.
When your dog is recovering we recommend that you feed your pet a diet of soft food and water for at least two weeks after the bleeding has stopped.
Seeing your dog sick can be scary. The best thing you can do for your dog remains calm and follow the instructions of your vet. They know more about dogs than we do, so we must trust their judgment and follow their instructions.
It may be hard, but try not to get too emotional as you watch your pet recover from illness or injury. Remember, they're counting on us! It is important to keep an eye on your dog and watch for symptoms that your vet has asked for.
