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If your dog has started to bruise and bleeds for prolonged periods of time, a trip to the vet is in order. Dogs as well as people can develop conditions that affect the blood and it's production. Your dog may have one of several blood diseases that can seriously affect his health. Some of these can be potentially fatal, so immediate intervention is essential.

AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA ( AIHA )

This is a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys it's own red blood cells. Usually a parasite, drug or toxin is adhered to the surface of the red blood cells . As the immune system tries to attack the foreign agent, it destroys the blood cells in the process. When large amounts of cells are destroyed, and the body is removing them faster than they can be replaced, AIHA results. The cause isn't really known, but it tends to affect more females than males. Certain breeds have a predisposition to the disorder. Some breeds are cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, old English sheepdogs, Irish setters, poodles and dachshunds. Symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually and progressively.

SYMPTOMS

- weakness

- lethargy

- increased heart rate

- increased respiratory rate

- pale gums, ears and eyelids

- vomiting

- abdominal pain

- blood in urine or stool

- fever

Diagnosis will involve a series of blood tests, and will be confirmed with a Coombs test. After the diagnosis treatment can begin. Your dog may require initial blood transfusions and high doses of corticosteroids, which are toxic to the cells that produce antibodies. If the red blood cells aren't coated with antibodies, they won't be targeted for destruction. Treatment with corticosteroid therapy will last at least four months. Your dog may have to remain on low doses permanently. It is a very serious condition with a high mortality rate, as it can lead to other conditions such as Cushing's disease and Thromboembolic disease.

HEMOPHILIA

A bleeding disorder of varying severity due to a deficiency in certain clotting factors or abnormal platelet function. Oddly enough, only females can be carriers of the disease, but it most commonly affects males. The German shepherd is the most predispositioned breed. Mild cases may present no signs and require no treatment. Severe cases usually present symptoms at an early age. A pup may have prolonged bleeding after the loss of baby teeth. Many symptoms may develop.

SYMPTOMS

- prolonged episodes of bleeding

- difficult to stop, bloody diarrhea

- areas of bleeding under the skin

- lameness

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