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 (from bleeding into the muscles)
- respiratory problems (bleeding into the chest)
- weakness
- paralysis
- even sudden death
Blood tests will confirm a diagnosis. This is a lifelong condition with no cure. Your dog will require periodic blood transfusions to maintain blood levels. You will need to be extra alert for signs of bleeding, and take precautions to prevent even minor injuries to your dog. In severe cases, sadly, the dog often dies or is euthanized because of recurrent or uncontrollable bleeding problems.
HEMANGIOSARCOMA
This is a cancer originating in the lining of blood vessels. Tumors can develop anywhere since blood vessels run throughout the body. Often there is little warning until symptoms become severe, as tumors are internal. It is sometimes mistaken for AIHA, since symptoms are similar.
SYMPTOMS
- nosebleeds
- fatigue
- weakness
- pale gums
- increased respiratory rate
- abdominal swelling
A large tumor may be found during an examination. Blood may be found in the abdomen with needle aspiration. Sometimes there are hundreds of small tumors throughout the body that are only found with surgical exploration or autopsy. The tumors are highly malignant and have spread by the time they are discovered. Removal of the tumor may prolong the dog's life, but there is no cure. Usually a period of six to eight weeks is seen between the discovery of the tumor and death. Some dogs mysteriously die without ever presenting any symptoms.
IMMUNE MEDIATED THROMBOCYTOPATHIA
The immune system destroys platelets, which play an important role in blood clotting. They are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. Decreased platelets results in increased bleeding. There may be no underlying cause or it could be the result of an infection, tumor or drug reaction. Breeds most commonly affected include old English sheepdogs, cocker spaniels and poodles. The condition is more common in females. Several symptoms may present themselves.
SYMPTOMS
- nosebleeds
- bruising on gums or skin
- blood in stool or urine
- lethargy
- weakness
A complete blood count will show a dramatic drop in platelet numbers and rule out other conditions that cause excessive bleeding. Corticosteroids treatment will slow platelet destruction. Most dogs respond to treatment within a couple of days. Half of dogs affected only experience one episode, while others have relapses. Some dogs die acutely from severe internal bleeding.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Just like people, dogs need sugar in their blood to fuel the brain and body. A drop in blood sugar levels triggers hypoglycemia. There are various unmistakable symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
- seizure
- disorientation
- unsteady gait
- shivering
- weakness
- head tilted to the side
- hunger
- restlessness
The only way to make a diagnosis is to test the blood immediately upon onset of symptoms. Treatment will require the dog to be fed up to six small meals a day, to regulate blood sugar. In severe cases anti convulsant therapy may be prescribed. If the dog starts to exhibit signs of hypoglycemia, it must immediately be fed sugar. Table sugar can be sprinkled on food or in water. Corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can be given as well. If the dog is unconscious, sugar can be rubbed on it's gums or tongue. When walking the dog, a snack should always be carried, just in case.
Discovering something that may make you believe your dog has a blood disease can be frightening. The best thing you can do for your friend, is get him to the vet for an evaluation. Early detection and intervention are the best chance for successful treatment.