Bleeding
Bleeding can occur externally from trauma,or internally from trauma, toxicities, immune-mediated disorders, tumors and side effects of medication.
External Bleeding
Instances such as bite wounds, lacerations or trauma such as hit by a vehicle can cause external bleeding. External bleeding means that you will readily observe blood coming from the wound site. If there is a large volume of blood or pulsating bleeding from a wound, direct pressure should be applied to the site, using a wad of non-sticking bandage material, or a moistened towel or any piece of fabric available. Once pressure has been applied, seek veterinary attention as further medical procedures may be required. In the event the wound is on a limb, avoid the use of tourniquets as they may cut off the blood flow to and from the affected limb. If the blood supply is cut off for a significant period of time, this may cause more damage to the healthy tissues of the limb creating further problems.
Internal Bleeding
Instances such as ingestion of mouse/rat bait, blunt force trauma, tumors (particularly of the spleen), immune-mediated disorders and side effects of some medication can cause internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is not obvious like external bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding include:
- pale mucus membranes (ie: gums)
- bruising on the pet’s gums, skin (look in areas where hair is thin such as the groin, belly, armpits, ears)
- distended abdomen
- difficulty breathing
- lethargy
- blood in the urine, stool or vomit
- bleeding from nose, eyes, ears
If you notice any of these signs, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
hybried chihuahua
2 year old bleeding from the penis
Hi Jesse! Is your Chihuahua neutered? And if not does he tend to “hump” objects? If so, he may just be causing damage to his penis from this actvity and you should remove the objects that he tends to do this with. If he is neutered and does not display this activity, consider that the blood may be coming from his urine. Blood in the urine may be from a simple infection or could be as complicated as bladder stones. If you feel this is the case, please have him checked out by your veterinarian asap.