Internal bleeding in pets is serious – and often hard to spot. You might not see obvious wounds, but signs like pale gums, weakness, or a swollen belly can signal a life-threatening emergency. At BluePearl Midvale, our emergency medicine team is trained to recognize and respond fast to internal injuries, trauma, and hidden bleeding.
Warning signs of internal bleeding.
Bring your pet to our emergency vet immediately if you notice:
- Sudden collapse or weakness
- Pale gums or cool extremities
- Labored breathing or panting at rest
- Enlarged, tight, or painful abdomen
- Bruising or bleeding under the skin
- Bloody vomit, stool, or coughing up blood
Common causes of internal bleeding we see in Midvale.
Internal bleeding can result from:
- Being hit by a car or blunt-force trauma
- Ruptured tumors (especially in the spleen or liver)
- Rat poison ingestion
- Post-surgical complications
- Blood clotting disorders
- Wildlife bites or large dog altercations
What happens at the ER?
Our emergency team begins with triage and vital checks. If internal bleeding is suspected, we may recommend:
- Ultrasound or x-rays to detect fluid
- Bloodwork to check clotting and red cell counts
- IV fluids, oxygen, or plasma transfusion
- Emergency surgery, if a mass or rupture is found
We move quickly to stabilize and relieve pain, then explain every step of your pet’s care.
Aftercare and next steps.
Some pets may recover with supportive care. Others need surgery and overnight monitoring. Either way, we’ll update your primary vet and guide you through recovery and follow-up needs.
Understanding internal bleeding in Pets in Midvale – FAQ.
Internal bleeding can be a serious condition that is often difficult to detect. If you notice any of the following signs, it is crucial to bring your pet to our emergency vet immediately: sudden collapse or weakness, pale gums or cool extremities, labored breathing or panting while at rest, an enlarged, tight, or painful abdomen, bruising or bleeding under the skin, or bloody vomit, stool, or coughing up blood. These symptoms can indicate a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt attention.
In Midvale, internal bleeding can result from various causes, including being hit by a car or experiencing blunt force trauma. Other common causes include ruptured tumors, particularly in the spleen or liver, ingestion of rat poison, post-surgical complications, blood clotting disorders, and injuries from wildlife bites or altercations with larger dogs. Understanding these causes can help you recognize potential risks for your pet.
When you arrive at BluePearl Midvale, our emergency medicine team will begin with triage and vital checks to assess your pet's condition. If internal bleeding is suspected, we may recommend diagnostic procedures such as ultrasounds or x-rays to detect fluid in the abdomen, as well as bloodwork to evaluate clotting and red blood cell counts. Treatment may include IV fluids, oxygen, plasma transfusions, or emergency surgery if a mass or rupture is identified. We prioritize stabilizing your pet and relieving pain, while keeping you informed about every step of their care.
After your pet's emergency visit, the course of care will depend on their specific needs. Some pets may recover with supportive care, while others may require surgery and overnight monitoring. Regardless of the treatment plan, we will keep your primary veterinarian updated on your pet's condition and guide you through the recovery process, including follow-up needs and any additional care instructions.
Internal bleeding is a critical condition that can escalate quickly, leading to severe complications or even death if not addressed promptly. Recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly can significantly improve your pet's chances of recovery. At BluePearl Midvale, our emergency medicine team is trained to respond rapidly to internal injuries and hidden bleeding, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care in urgent situations.
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