Hemoabdomen: Abdominal Bleeding in Dogs
Hemoabdomen is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs when blood accumulates in the abdominal cavity. The term "hemoabdomen" comes from two words: "hemo," meaning blood, and "abdomen," which refers to the belly area. This condition can arise from several causes, such as trauma, tumors, or clotting disorders. Learning a bit about this condition can help you be more aware and better prepared should this emergency happen in your dog!
What Causes Hemoabdomen in Dogs?
The causes of hemoabdomen in dogs can vary, but they generally fall into a few categories:
Trauma: One of the most common causes of hemoabdomen is trauma. This could be from an accident, a fall, or even being hit by a car. Any injury that ruptures blood vessels or organs inside the abdominal cavity can lead to internal bleeding.
Tumors: Certain types of tumors, particularly those affecting the liver or spleen, can cause hemoabdomen. Splenic tumors, for example, are one of the most common causes of spontaneous hemoabdomen in dogs. These tumors can rupture, leading to internal bleeding.
Clotting Disorders: Some dogs have underlying clotting disorders that can cause blood vessels to break more easily, leading to bleeding in the abdominal cavity. Alternatively, some dogs may have been exposed to chemicals/ toxins, such as rodenticides (mouse/rat poison)—which will lead to clotting issues.
Other Causes: Other causes of hemoabdomen can include liver disease, blood vessel abnormalities, and more.
Signs of Hemoabdomen in Dogs
Hemoabdomen is a medical emergency, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial. The signs of hemoabdomen include:
Abdominal pain: Your dog may exhibit signs of discomfort when their abdomen is touched or may appear bloated.
Weakness or lethargy: Blood loss can cause your dog to feel weak or tired, leading to a noticeable decrease in activity.
Pale gums: Blood loss can cause the gums to become pale or white.
Distended abdomen: as blood fills the abdominal cavity, this may lead to the belly seeming enlarged/ distended.
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing: As the abdominal cavity fills with blood, pressure on the lungs can lead to breathing difficulties.
Vomiting or diarrhea: Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset as a result of internal bleeding.
Collapse or shock: In severe cases, the loss of blood can lead to collapse or shock.
Dogs Most Affected by Hemoabdomen
While trauma can lead to a hemoabdomen in any animal, certain dog breeds are more predisposed to developing a spontaneous hemoabdomen, particularly those with a higher likelihood of developing splenic tumors or other risk factors. These breeds include:
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
Boxer
Rottweiler
Siberian Husky
Dalmatian
Weimaraner
Bernese Mountain Dog
Airedale Terrier
While these breeds are at higher risk, it's important to note that hemoabdomen can occur in any dog, regardless of breed.
Diagnosis of Hemoabdomen
If you suspect your dog has hemoabdomen, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and may use diagnostic tools such as:
Abdominal ultrasound: This imaging test can help identify the presence of blood in the abdominal cavity and pinpoint the source of the bleeding.
X-rays: Radiographs (X-rays) can also help assess the size and shape of the organs in the abdomen and detect any irregularities.
Blood tests: Blood work will help assess your dog's overall health and determine how much blood loss has occurred.
Treatment for Hemoabdomen
Treatment for hemoabdomen depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In many cases, surgery is required to repair any internal damage or remove tumors that are causing bleeding. If the cause is trauma, stabilizing the dog with fluids and managing blood loss is essential. In cases of clotting disorders, blood transfusions and medication may be necessary.
Prompt veterinary intervention is critical to the successful treatment of hemoabdomen, and the chances of recovery improve significantly with early detection.
Preventing Hemoabdomen
While some causes of hemoabdomen, like tumors or trauma, are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to help reduce your dog's risk:
Regular veterinary check-ups: Annual or bi-annual vet visits can help detect issues like tumors before they cause major problems.
Prevent trauma: Keeping your dog in a safe environment and preventing situations where they may get injured can reduce the risk of trauma-related hemoabdomen.
Keep medications out of reach: certain medications/toxins can cause major issues for dogs, if ingested. Make sure all medications are locked up. If you use mouse/rat poison—make sure it is secured and in a location that a dog cannot access
Final Thought
Hemoabdomen is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition, you can act quickly if your dog shows signs of internal bleeding. If you believe your dog may be suffering from hemoabdomen, don’t hesitate—seek professional care as soon as possible. Early intervention can make all the difference in ensuring the best outcome for your dog’s health.
Gal Chivvis, DVM
This article has been adapted from The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies
