Bite Wounds in Dogs

Bite wounds are often the result when two animals engage in a fight or aggressive play. Animal fights most commonly occur when adults are put together for the first time. Other causes of fighting include dominance, hierarchy, fighting over food, owner attention or territory. Of all trauma-related veterinary visits, 10 to 15 percent are related to bite wounds.

Dog bites can result in significant trauma, like crushing, tearing, puncturing and lacerations of the skin and underlying tissues. Cat bites are typically puncture wounds with possible tearing or laceration. This is due to the small, sharp teeth of cats as compared to dogs.

Since the mouth is an environment filled with bacteria, all bite wounds are considered contaminated and the possibility of infection is high. In comparison, cat bites have a much greater chance of becoming infected than do dog bites.

Bite wounds, which may only appear as a small puncture wound in the skin, can actually be quite extensive. Once the tooth penetrates the skin, severe damage can occur to the underlying tissues without major skin damage.

All bite wounds should receive veterinary attention. Some wounds may appear deceptively minor but may have the potential to be life threatening, depending on the area of the body bitten.

What to Watch For

Bleeding

Swelling

Drainage

Breathing difficulty

Limping

Weakness

Collapse

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a bite wound is usually a simple task, especially if the owner witnesses a fight. Wounds often have the characteristic appearance of a bite wound. The challenge comes in determining the extent of the underlying damage. Bite wounds are most commonly found on the neck, face and legs.

Bite wounds of the neck can be serious and may need further examination to determine the extent of the underlying damage. Excessive bleeding from tearing of a major blood vessel, nerve damage, airway trauma and trauma to the esophagus can occur.

Bite wounds of the face can cause severe damage to the eyes, ears or mouth. Scratches and puncture of the eye is possible. Extensive bleeding can occur if the ears or mouth are bitten.

Sedation or anesthesia may be required to examine the injured pet.

Treatment

Treatment for bite wounds depends on the part of the body injured and the severity of the bite. Bite wounds are usually painful and your veterinarian will administer pain medications to relieve the pain. Wounds have the best chance of healing without complication if treated within 12 hours of the injury.

Sedation or anesthesia may be required to treat some bite wounds. The skin wound may have to be enlarged surgically to allow examination of the underlying tissues.

The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of infection. Your veterinarian will gently remove dead tissue and clean the wound area thoroughly to remove hair and other debris. Povidone iodine or chlorhexidine are used to disinfect the wound. If extensive damage has occurred and fluid accumulation is expected, a temporary drain may be placed in the wound to assist healing. The edges of the wound are sutured closed.

Antibiotics are very important in treating infection, although most bite wounds become infected even if the patient is on antibiotics. This is due to the contaminated nature of the injury. The purpose of antibiotics is an attempt to keep the infection under control.

Bacterial culture and sensitivity may be done to determine the primary bacterial agent involved and help chose the best antibiotic. Frequently, this test is reserved for those bite wounds that do not respond to initial antibiotic treatment.

Since the vast majority of bite wounds are contaminated with Pasteurella multocida, common antibiotic choices include amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, cephalexin, cefadroxil or enrofloxacin.

Home Care

Initially cleaning of the bite wounds with hydrogen peroxide, povidone iodine or chlorhexidine can help reduce infection. Extreme care must be used since bite wounds are painful and the pet may bite the person caring for him/her out of fear or pain. You may have to muzzle your pet.

Despite initial home care, all bite wounds should be examined and treated by a veterinarian. Extensive damage can occur even if it appears as though there is only a small, minor puncture wound on the skin.

Preventative Care

Preventing bite wounds is done by avoiding situations that may result in animal fights. Do not allow your pet to roam. Keep cats indoors. Keep your dog on a leash, especially when visiting parks and walking through the neighborhood.

Obedient dogs are less likely to participate in fights. Proper dog training is recommended.

Unfortunately, not all pet owners follow these suggestions. You may do everything possible to prevent a fight but a stray dog may come upon you and your leashed pet and a fight may still occur.

Some fights cannot be prevented.

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Blindness in Dogs

Blindness is the loss of vision in both eyes. Vision loss may arise from disorders of the structures that receive and process the image within the eye or from disorders of the visual pathways that transmit and further process the image within the brain.

Acute (sudden) blindness occurs when vision is lost in both eyes simultaneously. The actual onset of blindness may be difficult to pinpoint because dogs' senses of hearing and smell can often compensate for a decrease in vision. When one eye is blind, most dogs act and behave normally. The owner may not realize vision has been lost in one eye, until such time as it is decreased in the other eye. If an acute loss of sight occurs in the other eye from a disease or injury, then the dog may seem to go acutely blind.

At times the realization that the pet is blind only occurs when a change in the environment confuses the pet. Animals that slowly lose their vision memorize their surroundings, and if those surroundings are altered, then the behavioral changes they exhibit may make the owner conclude that the animal has gone blind suddenly. In actuality, the blind dog starts bumping into things only because the environment has changed.

Blindness in some pets may not be observed until vision is lost in eyes that had minimal function previously. Causes of blindness include severe corneal disease, anterior and/or posterior uveitis, cataracts (white opacity of the lens), retinal inflammation and infection, retinal detachment, glaucoma (sustained elevated pressure within the eye), disease of the optic nerve (nerve that connects the eye to the brain) and visual pathways, and diseases of the occipital cortex (visual center of the brain).

What to Watch For

Occasional clumsiness

Bumping into objects

Inability to find food and water dishes

Inattentive behavior, excessive sleeping

Easily startled, fearful behavior

Loss of normal play or interactive behaviors

Becoming lost in the yard or certain areas of the house

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Melena (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

Melena is the presence of digested blood in the feces and makes the stools appear black and tarry. Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool (hematochezia). Melena may represent a severe, life-threatening illness, and should not be ignored. It must especially be addressed if it persists or worsens.

Melena develops when bleeding occurs into the stomach or small intestines. The bleeding must be high in the intestinal tract in order for the blood to be digested and become discolored. Bleeding into the colon or rectum (hematochezia) appears as fresh blood in the stool. 

General Causes

Infectious agents

Certain drugs 

Cancer

Foreign bodies in the stomach or intestines

Infiltrative and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases

Ingestion of blood

Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders)

Metabolic and other diseases that cause gastrointestinal ulceration

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)

Perioperative hemorrhage (bleeding associated with surgery on the intestinal tract)

Gastrointestinal ischemia (lack of blood supply) 

Ingestion of heavy metals (uncommon causes)

What to Watch For

Dark, almost black stools

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Pale gums

Other areas of bleeding or bruising on the body

Weight loss

Poor appetite

Excessive drinking or urinating

Excessive urinating

Diagnosis

A thorough history and physical examination are often helpful in determining if melena is present and in suggesting an underlying cause. To determine the exact cause, additional tests are usually necessary and include the following:

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis 

Fecal examination

Abdominal and chest radiographs (X-rays) 

Serology for certain infectious diseases

Coagulation profile

Abdominal ultrasonography

Upper gastrointestinal barium series

Endoscopy

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Hematochezia (Blood in Stool) in Dogs

Hematochezia is the presence of bright red, fresh blood in the feces. Hematochezia usually occurs with bleeding in the lower intestines (colon, rectum). Hematochezia should not be confused with melena , which is the passage of dark, tarry, black feces. Melena represents the passage of old, digested blood that has occurred with bleeding higher up in the intestinal tract.

The presence of hematochezia may be a symptom of either a minor problem, or a potentially more serious problem in the animal. One occurrence of hematochezia may be a minor and transient event. Repeated or persistent hematochezia is more serious and should not be ignored. There are several possible causes. The most common cause in older pets is cancer and in younger pets are parasites. General causes include: 

General Causes

Infectious agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and intestinal parasites

Dietary intolerance/allergy/indiscretion

Cancer (neoplasia) of the lower bowel

Polyps (benign masses) in the colon or rectum

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis

Trauma to the lower bowel or anal area

Clotting disorders (coagulopathy)

Intussusception (the telescoping of one part of the bowel into another)

Miscellaneous diseases of the anus, rectum and colon

What to Watch For

Bright red blood in the feces

Possible straining to defecate

Increased number of bowel movements produced

Possibly no other clinical signs

Possibly other systemic signs of illness, such as excessive drinking, urinating, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss

Diagnostic Tests

Rectal examination

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis 

Fecal examination

Coagulation profile

Abdominal X-rays (radiographs) 

Abdominal ultrasound

Colonoscopy

Treatment

There are several things your veterinarian might prescribe to treat your pet' symptoms. These include:

Changes in the animal's diet

Fluid therapy

Deworming medications for intestinal parasites

Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Motility modifying drugs that change the rate of movement of food through the intestines

Intestinal protectant/adsorbent drugs to coat, protect, and sooth the gastrointestinal tract

Home Care

At home administer any prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian and follow any dietary recommendations closely.

You should also observe your pet's general activity and appetite, and watch closely for the presence of blood in the stool, or a worsening of signs. If any changes occur, notify your veterinarian.

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Epistaxis (Nose Bleed) in Dogs

Epistaxis refers to bleeding from the nose. It is usually from damaged vessels in the nasal mucosa but can also be due to an increased fragility of capillaries or bleeding tendencies. Any breed can develop epistaxis and there is no gender predilection. Dogs with long noses (so-called "dolichocephalic" breeds such as Collies) may be at greater risk for some causes of epistaxis (e.g. nasal tumors).

The bleeding may be acute (sudden) or chronic (long standing). How ill the animal becomes often is determined by the underlying cause of the nasal bleeding. It is important to determine if the bleeding is unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (both nostrils) because some causes of epistaxis are associated with unilateral bleeding whereas others are associated with bilateral bleeding. 

Epistaxis may be caused by:

Trauma

Nasal foreign bodies

Dental disease, like tooth root abscess

Nasal tumors

Infections (bacterial, fungal, parasitic)

Certain blood disorders, such as clotting abnormalities, excessively viscous blood, tick-borne diseases that can cause low platelet counts

What to Watch For

Sneezing, accompanied by a large spray of blood

Nasal swelling

Severe dental disease

Fractured teeth

Black, tarry stool (caused by swallowing blood)

A foul odor from the mouth or nose 

Noisy breathing

Loss of appetite

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Hematuria (Blood in Urine) in Dogs

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be gross (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic. Possible causes of hematuria include:

Bacterial infections of the urinary and genital tracts such as cystitis (bladder infection), vaginitis or prostatitis

Cancer of the urinary or genital tracts

Calculi (stones) in the urinary tract

Congenital urinary tract abnormalities (those present at birth)

Rare parasites of the urinary tract

Clotting (bleeding) disorders including anti-coagulant rat poison (warfarin)

Trauma

Normal reproductive or heat cycles (estrus)

Medication-induced (e.g., cystitis caused by cyclophosphamide, a drug used to treat some types of cancer and immune-mediated diseases)

Benign idiopathic ("of unknown cause") hematuria originating from the kidney

What to Watch For

The effect of hematuria on the pet may range from no obvious effect to severe. Severe bleeding into the urinary tract may cause the dog to become anemic and may cause weakness or collapse.

Other symptoms that commonly accompany hematuria include:

Painful or difficult urination

Straining to urinate

Frequent passage of small amounts of urine

Abdominal pain

You should have your pet examined by your veterinarian if you observe hematuria or any of these other symptoms.

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21 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in Your Dog

There are serious symptoms that should never be ignored in your dog. A symptom is defined as "any problem that can indicate an underlying disease" and may be your first clue to the presence of a life-threatening problem in your dog. Here is a list of 21 symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them from your dog!

1. Pacing and Restlessness. In dogs, pacing and restlessness can be indicate pain, discomfort or distress. These symptoms can be associated with a condition called bloat in which the stomach twists. Bloat is life-threatening and most commonly occurs in large breed or deep-chested dogs. 

2. Unproductive Retching. Dogs that attempt to vomit and are unable to bring anything up is another common symptom of "bloat". You should call your veterinarian immediately.

3. Collapse or Fainting. Acute collapse is a sudden loss of strength causing your dog to fall and be unable to rise. Some dogs that suddenly collapse will actually lose consciousness. This is called fainting or syncope. Some dogs recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped. All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored. See your veterinarian immediately.

4. Not Eating or Loss of Appetite. Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite, does not want to eat or is unable to eat. There are many causes of a "loss of appetite" and is often the first indication of illness. Regardless of the cause, loss of appetite can have a serious impact on an animal's health if it lasts 24 hours or more. Young animals less than 6 months of age are particularly prone to the problems brought on by loss of appetite.

5. Losing Weight. Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. This usually occurs when the body uses and/or excretes essential nutrients faster than it can consume them. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. There are several causes for this, some of which can be very serious.

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Hematemesis (Vomiting Blood) in Dogs

Hematemesis is the act of vomiting blood. Hematemesis may involve the vomition of new or recent blood, which is bright red. It can also involve the vomition of old, partially digested blood, which has the appearance of brown coffee grounds. There are a variety of causes of vomiting blood and the effects on the animal are also variable. Some are subtle and minor ailments, while others are severe or life threatening.

General Causes

Clotting disorders (coagulopathies) that cause bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal tract ulcerations, primarily of the stomach, esophagus or upper small intestine (duodenum)

Bleeding tumors of the stomach, esophagus and upper small intestine

Bleeding in the stomach or esophagus from the presence of foreign bodies

Administration of medications that are irritating to the stomach

Ingestion of foreign material or bones that lacerate the lining of the esophagus or stomach

Vomiting blood that has been swallowed, such as from bleeding in the mouth, from a nose bleed (epistaxis), from blood that was coughed up from the lungs (hemopytsis), or licked from the skin

What to Watch For 

Blood in the vomitus. Fresh blood is usually bright red. Old, partially digested blood is brown and has the appearance of coffee grounds.

Anorexia

Diarrhea

Digested, dark black blood in the feces (melena)

Fresh, red blood in the feces (hematochezia)

Possibly abdominal pain

Paleness or pallor of the gums with severe blood loss

Rapid breathing with severe blood loss

Weakness, collapse, and shock with severe blood loss

Signs of bleeding at other sites in or on the body

Diagnostic Tests

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Coagulation (clotting) profile

Abdominal and chest (thoracic) X-rays or radiographs

Abdominal ultrasonography

Upper gastrointestinal contrast study

Endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach and small intestinal tract

Examination of other sites of bleeding, such as examination of the mouth, chest x-rays, x-rays and scooping of the nose, etc.

Treatment

The vomiting of blood that represents bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract is a serious condition. It generally warrants hospitalization, the performance of numerous diagnostic tests, and at the very least, supportive care. Symptomatic therapy may include the following: 

No food or drink given by mouth (NPO)

Intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy

Blood transfusions as needed

Gastric acid blocking agents and gastric protectant drugs to treat for gastrointestinal ulceration while awaiting test results

Determining the underlying cause and instituting specific treatments for the cause

Home Care

Call your veterinarian immediately if there is blood present in the vomitus, and administer all medications and dietary changes as directed by your veterinarian. Avoid drugs that might damage the gastrointestinal tract, such as corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Cyanosis (Blue Coloration) in Dogs

Cyanosis is a bluish or purplish coloration imparted to the skin or mucous membranes due to excessive amounts of poorly oxygenated hemoglobin in the circulation. The causes include certain congenital heart diseases, various respiratory diseases, and exposure to certain chemicals that result in the creation of some abnormal forms of hemoglobin which are incapable of binding oxygen properly.

Cyanosis in pets is usually an alarming clinical symptom for pet owners and for veterinarians. 

What to Watch For

Purplish/bluish coloration of the tongue, gums, lips, and areas of the skin in which the blood vessels are superficial

Possible purplish/bluish coloration of the foot pads

Diagnosis

Arterial blood gas measurement

Pulse oximetry

Other specific tests, depending on the disorder that is causing the cyanosis

Treatment

Therapy of cyanosis will depend on what is causing the condition. 

Congenital heart disease. If the condition is caused by congenital heart disease, the treatment is surgery.

Chemical. If a chemical has affected the hemoglobin in such a way that it cannot carry oxygen properly, for example, by inducing the formation of methemoglobin, an abnormal type of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen, the treatment involves: elimination of the cause, limiting any tissue injury due to poor oxygenation, and administration of medication (methylene blue; N-acetylcysteine) if necessary.

Respiratory Disorder. If a respiratory disorder is the cause of the cyanosis, the underlying respiratory disease must be treated with antibiotics if pneumonia or chronic bronchitis is present, diuretics if fluid is building up in the lungs, thoracocentesis, which is removal of fluid or air from the chest cavity if fluid or air is causing the cyanosis, or supplemental oxygen as necessary.

Emergency treatment involves making sure that the airway is unobstructed and providing oxygen by: face mask, nasal oxygen tube, oxygen cage, intubation of the trachea.

Home Care

There is no specific home care for cyanosis. Animals who are suspected to be cyanotic should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Depending on the cause of the cyanosis, your veterinarian will make specific recommendations as warranted.

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Mammary Gland Swelling in Dogs

Mammary gland swelling is a thickening, proliferation of tissue or a lump in the mammary glands (breasts) and in the surrounding tissue. The mammary glands are comprised of two rows of subcutaneous (under the skin) glandular tissue around each nipple and are located on either side of the animal's ventral (underside) surface. The two rows extend from the area near the underarms to the inguinal region near the genitalia. Generally, there are five glands in each row. Swellings may occur in one or all of the glands. 

Mammary gland swellings are much more common in intact female animals, particularly during or after heat cycles, lactation and parturition. Dogs are more commonly affected than cats.

Swellings of the mammary glands may be due to normal hormonal changes or be associated with disease. Normal swellings of the glands occur during the heat cycle, pregnancy and lactation. Abnormal swellings of the glands are associated with: 

Galactostasis is an excessive accumulation of milk in the gland that causes an inflammatory response. This may be seen after weaning or during pseudopregnancy.

Galactorrhea or an inappropriate lactation that is not associated with pregnancy. This may be seen with pseudopregnancy. 

Mammary fibroepithelial hypertrophy is a benign growth of the mammary tissue causing a firm swelling. The condition is most common in young intact female cats. The swelling may become extremely large.

Mastitis or infection of the mammary gland may involve a single or multiple glands.

Mammary adenomatous hyperplasia

Mammary gland neoplasia

What to Watch For

Firm or soft swellings

Redness

Sensitivity or pain

Microscopic analysis of any discharge

Aspirate and cytology

Culture and sensitivity of the fluid or mass

Biopsy of the mass

Antibiotics

Puppies weaned

Pain medication

Surgical excision of one or more glands

Discharge from mammary gland

Diagnosis

A good history, especially in intact female animals, is critical in establishing an accurate diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on the last heat cycle, potential pregnancy, and any recent litters. Additional tests may include:

If a tumor were suspected, additional diagnostics would include a complete blood test, biochemical profile, and chest radiographs (x-rays).

Treatment

Many times no treatment is necessary and the swellings resolve on their own. Additional treatment may include:

Ovariohysterectomy (spay)

Home Care

Limit stress and activity. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication might be able to be used after consulting with your veterinarian. Warm water or cold water compresses can help reduce swelling.

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