Vomiting With Blood In Dogs: Causes And Treatments
Vomiting with blood in dogs is rare and should always warrant a trip to the vet. Also known as hematemesis, this phenomenon has a variety of causes.
Indeed, vomiting blood in dogs is a symptom of a variety of problems and diseases. Bright red vomit is usually a sign that bleeding is occurring in the mouth, throat, esophagus, or stomach. Dark red blood (like coffee grounds) can mean that the dog has a stomach ulcer or has been bleeding for a long time.
Thus, symptoms associated with bleeding include poor appetite (anorexia), abdominal pain, and blackish, tar-like stools. This kind of stool is also known as melena. Loss of blood through vomiting can lead to a low red blood cell count, leading to anemia. In this case, additional symptoms may include a heart murmur, weakness to the point of collapse, and a rapid heartbeat.
Causes of bloody vomiting in dogs
Hematemesis can be due to a wide variety of causes such as these:
- Gastrointestinal diseases that present with inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or ulcers. Alternatively, the blood may be caused by an inflammation or injury to the mouth or lungs (respiratory system), after which it is swallowed and then vomited.
- Infections due to parasites, viruses (eg parvovirus) or serious bacterial infections.
- Intestinal obstructions
- Ingesting toxins, including household cleaning products, is a common cause of hematemesis in dogs.
- Coagulopathy, or lack of proper blood clotting, can be secondary to liver failure or a low platelet count in the blood (thrombocytopenia), due to exposure to toxins or medications.
- Trauma or injury.
- Poisoning from exposure to heavy metals, such as iron, lead, or snake bites. Exposure to toxic plants and pesticides can also cause bloody vomiting in dogs. Ingestion of rat poison is a cause of improper blood clotting.
- Heatstroke.
- Malignant and benign tumors.
In general, critically ill dogs are at increased risk for hematemesis. Other factors that can increase the risk of hematemesis are certain medications. Among them are NSAIDs, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Diagnosis of hematemesis
Diagnostic tests include blood tests and urine and stool tests. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound and X-rays, can also be used to identify internal disturbances. The diagnosis of hematemesis can range from any number of causes mentioned above, starting with contact with toxic substances to cancer.
Treatment of vomiting blood in dogs
Ensuring that the patient is hydrated will be the vet’s first treatment. Often times, this can include IV fluids and electrolytes. It is important to note that there are no appropriate home remedies for a dog that vomits blood. You should not attempt to medicate him at home unless explicitly recommended by a vet.
Even if there is a small amount of blood or if the problem does not appear to be that serious, it is worth contacting your vet. Remember that some causes of this pathology can endanger the life of your pet.
That said, the treatment of hematemesis varies greatly depending on the clinical reason. After identifying and addressing the cause and if vomiting is no longer excessive, recovery can continue at home. If this is the case, your vet will be able to indicate several types of oral medications for you to administer to your dog at home.
These may include drugs to reduce nausea, heal stomach ulcers, reduce stomach acid, and improve appetite. Further treatment will depend on the cause associated with vomiting blood in dogs.
For severe internal bleeding, perforation of ulcers, or excessive vomiting, hospital care may require emergency treatment for bleeding or shock . The need for blood transfusions may arise.
Prevention of vomiting with blood in dogs
Hematemesis due to ingestion of toxic substances can be avoided by ensuring that animals do not have access to poisonous plants, food, and chemicals. If the bones your dog chews break, they will usually break into sharp pieces. In most cases, many of these sharp pieces can be broken down by acid in the dog’s stomach.
However, they have the potential to cause injury to the esophagus, stomach, and / or intestines. Thus, this can cause a large number of conditions, including peritonitis, one of the most serious.
Taking into consideration that vomiting with blood in dogs can quickly become a very serious health problem, you should go to the veterinarian’s office without wasting time.
