Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

Knowing the symptoms of internal bleeding will help you recognize this life-threatening situation in time to get help for your Golden Retriever.

Internal bleeding is the leaking of blood from blood vessels and organs into spaces inside the body.

Actually, bruises are the result of capillary bleeding, but these occur in the skin and aren't serious.

What we're concerned about here is the deeper bleeding that involves arteries and veins.

Such bleeding can result in severe blood loss, leading to shock.

Causes of Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is caused by injuries created by a violent blunt force such as being thrown against an object, falling from a great distance, or being hit by an object (such as a vehicle).

Sharp objects such as broken bone fragments that damage the internal organs and blood vessels can also cause internal bleeding.

Here's a safe rule of thumb to follow: in any serious injury, always suspect internal bleeding.

Internal Bleeding Symptoms

The symptoms of internal bleeding are less obvious than those of external bleeding. In fact, an injured dog may appear "normal" at first. However, you should be able to spot some of these canine signs of internal bleeding:

Anxiety or restlessness
Rapid, weak pulse
Pale gums
Nausea or vomiting
Bruising in the injured area
Abdominal pain
Excessive thirst
Weakness
Vomiting blood
Bleeding from mouth, ears or nose
Bleeding rectum
Blood in dog's stool and/or urine
Rapid breathing, shortness of breath
Soft tissues, such as in the abdomen, are tender, swollen or hard
Internal bleeding is likely to accompany broken bones

Treating Internal Bleeding

There really isn't much you can do in the way of first aid for internal bleeding. Your dog needs professional help--quickly.

Here's what you can do while you're working on getting him to the vet:

Place him in a comfortable position, preferably lying down with his hind legs slightly raised
Treat for shock
Cover him lightly with a blanket or coat to keep him warm
Talk to him reassuringly
Treat any external bleeding

Internal bleeding is an extremely serious, life-or-death situation. You need to get your dog to a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic as quickly as possible.

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