Why do dogs bruise and bleed?
There is nothing very unusual in seeing an occasional tiny bruise or blood spot in the stool, but if it is ongoing and severe –don’t neglect it. There could be a number of reasons for blood in the stools like-
Platelet disorders# Platelet dysfunction may be inherited, or develop later in life, when the platelet count decreases and results in bleeding or bruising. A decrease in the platelet count (also known as ‘Thrombocytopenia’) can also occur due some shortfall of the bone marrow, or due to bleeding. You should definitely sit up and notice, if your dog’s platelet count is below 25,000. Such a low count can result in hemorrhages that can prove fatal.
Your dog’s low platelet count could be due to cancer, a recent infection, or a drug reaction. In Thrombocytopenia the immune system treats platelets, as it does any foreign body, by destroying them.
Other causes of low platelet count: -
- Drugs like aspirin, estrogen, sulfas, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, azathioprine as well as albendazole can alter the production or function of platelets.
- Hormonal imbalances, like the over production of estrogen can contribute to a low platelet count.
- Spleen disorders
- The inflammation of the blood vessels-known as Vasculitis
- Disseminated intravascular hemolysis can also result in a low platelet count
If your canine is a Basset hound, Foxhound, Otter hound, Great Pyrenees or Scottish terrier, then you need to check their blood count; since low platelet counts are common amongst these breeds. Platelet function disorders can also be due to-
- Sugar diabetes
- Kidney disease causing Uremia or an increase in waste products
- Liver disease
- Vaccination with modified live viruses