Blood vomit in dogs
Very few things cause panic on dog owners like when they see their pet vomiting blood. Blood vomit in dogs, or hematemesis, can be the result of a number of things. It is not a condition in itself but it is a symptom of a disease. Normally, blood vomit in dogs happens because there is a disruption in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach. It could also be the consequence of an irritation of the stomach or intestines. The truth is that blood vomit in dogs is a very common condition and can affect a large range of systems depending on the source.
Causes of blood vomit in dogs
There is a wide variety of situations that may be causing hematemesis. Some gastrointestinal diseases in dogs such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease can be the culprit. Some infections such as neurological, metabolic, or respiratory can also be the cause.
Other possible causes for vomiting blood are:
- Liver failure in dogs
- Heartworm
- Head trauma
- Coagulopathy (lack of proper blood clotting)
- Reduced blood platelet count (caused by drug exposure)
- Ingestion of rat poison
- Severe burns
- Major surgery
- Heat strokes
- Exposure to heavy metals
- Exposure to toxic plants and pesticides
- Snake bites
There are factors that increase the risk of hematemesis. These include drugs, NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
What to do when your dog vomits blood
The first thing you need to do is closely examine the dog’s vomit. Check for anything that looks like a red thread, tarry or soaked in blood. Even a very small amount of blood in the dog’s vomit could be a good indicator of the presence of blood in vomit.
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