Image Source: Pixabay.comUnderstanding subcutaneous bleeding
Any kind of bleeding is a cause for concern, especially in your pets. Unfortunately, subcutaneous bleeding or bleeding under the skin is a lot more common than dog owners would imagine. The most common cause of this condition is trauma or injury. Dogs are very exuberant creatures, so they sometimes get hurt while playing. Besides injury, some bleeding disorders can cause this condition as well. The most common is an autoimmune disorder known as thrombocytopenia. This immune-mediated disorder causes the dog’s body to target its own platelets. When the blood vessels under the skin burst, the bleeding appears in three types – ecchymoses, petechiae, and bruising. Ecchymoses appear as purple or blue patches under the skin or on the mucous membrane. Petechiae is characterized by small purple or red spots on the dog’s skin. Bruising is typically seen as discolored patches.
What are the causes of bleeding under the skin?
Trauma or injury is the most common cause of subcutaneous bleeding in dogs. If you notice that your dog suffers from chronic or excessive bleeding under the skin, the reason could be one of the conditions listed below.
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia:
This disorder causes the platelets in your dog’s system to be destroyed due to his immune system going into overdrive. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, weakness, lack of appetite, lethargy, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Canine thrombopathia:
This disorder prevents your dog’s blood from clotting by affecting his platelets. Bleeding gums and nosebleeds are additional symptoms.
Infectious thrombocytopenia:
Various diseases cause another platelet-destroying immune reaction or virulent microorganisms such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, parvovirus, heartworm, leishmaniasis, or herpesvirus.
Lymphoma:
This is a type of cancer that affects lymphocyte cells, causing your dog’s immune system to weaken. Additional symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, and weight loss.
Clotting disorders:
These conditions are brought on by liver toxicity or liver disease, most commonly caused due to consumption of poisonous products like rodenticides.
Drug reactions:
Some dogs could have serious negative reactions to certain medications like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This can affect the dog’s normal platelet functioning.
How can you treat bleeding under the skin in dogs?
If your dog’s platelet system is functioning well, no treatment is required, as the bleeding will stop. If there is an underlying disorder, you will have to take your canine friend to the veterinarian for tests, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Your dog may need to stay in the hospital, where he will be given intravenous hydration, electrolytes, blood transfusion, and even chemotherapy if necessary. If you notice bleeding under your dog’s skin, take him to the vet as soon as possible so you can rule out serious underlying causes.
Yeast Dermatitis In Dogs
You’ve probably heard of yeast before, most likely in the context of baking. However, this spore-like form of fungi can also cause skin infections, and yeast skin infections, known as Malassezia dermatitis or yeast dermatitis, are quite common in dogs.
Causes of Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs
Yeast exists peacefully in small numbers on a dog’s skin, ears, and anal glands. They are kept in check by a dog’s immune system and usually do not cause problems. However, when conditions on the skin change and the yeast is able to multiply and spread, it can result in a yeast infection.
So what allows for yeast proliferation?
The most common situation is an increase in the amount of oils produced by the skin, often as a result of an allergic reaction. Another common cause of increased oil production is seborrhea, a skin disorder that causes the skin to produce an excess amount of sebum. In these situations, yeast infections may recur until the underlying condition is addressed.
Dogs with immune deficiencies (often caused by a secondary disease) may have difficulty fighting off yeast infections, which is also the case for dogs that take immunosuppressive drugs. These situations can result in chronic yeast infections.
Yeast dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be passed from dog to dog. However, certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections, and they include the Australian Terrier, Basset Hound, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Silky Terrier, and the West Highland White Terrier.
Symptoms of Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs
Yeast infections usually begin with itching or a rash, but over time you will see the following:
- Thickened skin (often referred to as “elephant skin”)
- Flaky, crusty skin
- Extreme itching
- Foul, musty odor
- Hyperpigmentation (dark skin)
- Recurring ear infections
Diagnosing Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs
If your dog is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian. They will examine your dog and carry out certain tests to confirm yeast overgrowth. Common testing methods include:
- Cotton swab sample: a moist cotton swab is rubbed onto the skin to collect yeast organisms
- Impression smear: a microscope slide is pressed onto the skin to collect organisms
- Scotch tape sampling: a piece of tape is pressed onto the skin to collect organisms
- Skin scraping: the skin is scraped with a blade to collect organisms
- Skin biopsy: a piece of skin is removed and tested for yeast organisms
Treatment for Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs
Once your dog is diagnosed with yeast dermatitis, your veterinarian will have to decide whether to treat it topically, orally or both topically and orally. Generally, dogs with localized spots of dermatitis receive topical treatment, while dogs with larger infected areas receive oral medication. Oral and topical treatments are sometimes combined in recurrent cases.
Commonly prescribed topical treatments include shampoos and spot-on solutions. Certain shampoos, such as Chlorhexiderm and Malaseb, actually kill yeast, while others -- such as Pyoben -- work to remove skin oils that contribute to yeast proliferation. Animax ointment for dogs and cats may also be prescribed to treat certain types of infections. Always be sure to ask your veterinarian before using any new shampoo on a dog with irritated skin.
Popular spot-on treatments for dogs with only small areas of infection include acetic acid wipes and mixtures of water and vinegar. If a water and vinegar mixture is used, the dog may develop a vinegar smell (though many people prefer this to the musty odor caused by the yeast infection!)
The most commonly prescribed oral medication for yeast dermatitis is the antifungal Ketoconazole. Another antifungal, Itraconazole, may be used when an infection is persistent. These medications are effective but require long-term dosing (often several months), and the dog must be monitored closely because of potential side effects.
Whether your dog ends up with oral or topical treatment, one of the most important factors in combating yeast dermatitis is identifying and treating the underlying cause. If a dog has seborrhea, that condition should be treated to prevent yeast dermatitis from returning.
The prognosis for Dogs With Yeast Dermatitis
The prognosis for yeast dermatitis is generally good, and most dogs recover fully in a matter of months. However, dogs with underlying conditions like allergies may require regular, ongoing treatment to prevent recurring infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bleeding under the skin look like in dogs?
Bleeding under the skin in dogs is also known as petechiae or ecchymoses, and it can present differently depending on the severity of the condition. Petechiae are small red or purple spots that appear on the skin or mucous membranes, and they are caused by capillary bleeding. They can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as an infection or immune-mediated disorder. Ecchymoses are larger areas of bleeding under the skin that typically appear as reddish-purple or blue-black bruises. They may be raised and swollen, and the skin around them may be warm to the touch. Ecchymoses can also be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a blood clotting disorder or a traumatic injury.
Is bleeding under the skin serious?
Bleeding under the skin can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, depending on the severity and cause of the bleeding. Petechiae and ecchymoses can both be indicative of health issues that require prompt veterinary attention. Petechiae can be a sign of a bleeding disorder, autoimmune disease, or infection. In some cases, they may also be a side effect of certain medications. If left untreated, the underlying condition can cause further complications and even be life-threatening. Ecchymoses can be caused by trauma or injury, as well as underlying health conditions such as blood clotting disorders or immune-mediated diseases. While some ecchymoses may be minor and resolve on their own, others may require veterinary intervention to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. In general, any unexplained bleeding or discoloration under the skin should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your dog.
What does bleeding under the skin look like?
Bleeding under the skin in dogs, also known as bruising or petechiae, can have several different appearances depending on the severity and location of the bleeding. Red or purple patches or spots may be flat or raised and may have a blotchy appearance. Swollen areas on the skin may be caused by a collection of blood called a hematoma and may feel warm to the touch. Lumps or bumps may be caused by a hematoma or by bleeding into the skin tissue. Your dog may show signs of pain when the affected area is touched, or it may lick or chew at the area.
What does a hematoma look like on a dog?
A hematoma in dogs is a collection of blood that forms under the skin, typically caused by a ruptured blood vessel. The appearance of a hematoma on a dog can vary depending on the size and location of the collection of blood. The area affected by the hematoma may be visibly swollen and feel warm to the touch. The hematoma may appear as a raised lump or bump on the skin. The skin over the hematoma may appear red or discolored, often dark purple or black. Your dog may show signs of pain when the affected area is touched, or it may lick or chew at the area. A hematoma may feel like a fluid-filled sac under the skin that can shift or move slightly when touched. If you suspect your dog has a hematoma, it's important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on the size and severity of the hematoma, treatment may include draining the collection of blood, administering medication to manage pain and inflammation, and addressing any underlying conditions that may have caused the hematoma to develop.
What does hemangiosarcoma look like in dogs?
Hemangiosarcoma is malignant cancer that originates in the cells lining blood vessels in dogs, and it typically affects the internal organs. It is rare for hemangiosarcoma to develop on a dog's skin, but it can occur. When it does occur on the skin, hemangiosarcoma may appear as a firm, raised mass or lump on the surface of the skin. The lump may have a reddish, purplish, or blackish appearance due to the presence of blood vessels within the tumor. The mass may also be ulcerated or have an irregular shape. However, it is important to note that skin lumps and masses in dogs can have many different causes, and not all of them are cancerous. Other possible causes of skin lumps in dogs include abscesses, cysts, benign tumors, or insect bites. Therefore, it is important to have any unusual lumps or masses on your dog's skin evaluated by a veterinarian, who can perform a physical exam, take a sample of the tissue for biopsy, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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