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An open wound is easier to deal with because it is visible and the solution is relatively straightforward for your veterinarian to determine. But internal injuries are harder to deal with, and internal bleeding caused either by a car accident, a fall from a high vantage point, fighting, or disease can produce severe trauma to your dog’s body and they may go into shock.
If you know the cause of your dog’s distress it will be quicker to diagnose and treat, but no matter what the cause your dog needs veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Internal injuries may come from your dog being hit by a car causing trauma, due to dog fights, or additionally, some diseases cause internal bleeding and injury.
Types
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Fractures of bones - for example the spine, that can cause damage to internal organs
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If your dog has been hit by a vehicle or fallen from a height, you need to get your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Using an old door or a plank makes an ideal platform to maneuver your dog onto and offers support while being transported to the clinic. If your dog doesn’t want to be moved, you may need your dog sedated to enable moving him to the clinic. If you know the cause of your dog’s situation then that will help your veterinarian to diagnose what is wrong. Whether it was a physical injury, or caused by ingesting a poisonous substance, or some other cause, at least that will give your pet specialist something to start on immediately.
A thorough physical examination will be done unless your dog is in urgent need of life giving support first. If your dog is going into shock, immediate action will be taken by your veterinarian to avoid damages to the internal organs. Depending on your pet’s situation, diagnostic tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), X-rays, abdominal radiographs, electrocardiogram (EKG) and a serum chemistry profile. While broken bones are obvious signs of trauma, it is the internal damage that is vital to determine. Bleeding internally from punctured organs needs urgent attention.
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The treatment will depend on the cause of the injury. Trauma via vehicle injuries may require that your dog is hospitalised, especially at the beginning of treatment. Oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids may be required. Medication for any pain will help and your specialist may recommend a course of antibiotics. Your dog may also need antiarrhythmic drugs if his heart is beating erratically which is a symptom of stress and trauma. Other treatment may require blood transfusions if your pet has lost a lot of blood.
Surgery may be required in the case of disease (cancer and tumors), broken bones (especially spinal bones or neck bones) and other injuries that your dog may have. Poisons need careful attention to remove or limit the amount of damage that they can do to your dog’s system. Your veterinarian will be able to advise on the correct treatment from the results of the diagnostic tests. The first few days are the most crucial, and your specialist may keep your dog in hospital until he is confident that the treatment is working.
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Your pet will be limited to rest and recovery with exercise restrictions during the first few weeks of rehabilitation from his accident or illness. If the damage has been extensive, your pet may be restricted to a cage to prevent too much movement. Any bandages must be kept clean and dry. Wounds should be checked for redness, swelling or discharge material. Internal injuries may restrict the diet; soft easy to digest food is best.
If your pet has suffered external wounds as well, they may have stitches and you need to ensure your pet will not annoy them and damage themselves. Poison victims may feel quite low for a few weeks but hopefully if they haven’t suffered too much due to the internal injuries they will bounce back after a short time. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and treatment guidelines to enable your pet to heal quicker.
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Ask a Vet
Maltipoo
Two Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My new pups broke out of the play pin I put them in.... only because it was too small.... and the chewed up some wires and cardboard papers in my living room. They all seem to be ok except one. She is looking like she is dizzy head moving in a circle she can’t stand up or keep her balance she keeps looking behind her and around her like something or someone is trying to get her. Her mouth is very slimely like a lot of dog drool.... and she’s not as playful as she was yesterday at all. What’s wrong with my pup? I can’t get her to the vet or emergency room because my car is in the shop until 3
today
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. She may have electrocuted herself from the cables and the drooling is due to a mouth injury/ulcers. This is a serious emergency and the sooner she is seen by a vet, the better. If you cannot drive yourself, I would suggest you enlist the help of a pet taxi service (your vet should have the details), a neighbour or friend. This is a serious event that cannot be treated at home. Hopefully she can be seen right away and is soon the mend.
today
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XXL Bully
One Month
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Our pup got into the trash and ate cooked bones. He came in the room and went to sleep. A few mins later he started crying and having bowel movements. We didn't know he had eaten anything. He started vomiting then a piece of bone came out. He's vomited up other pieces of meat and bone as well now were up panicking. We really cant afford the vet what should we do? He keeps taking naps then wakes up whining and coughing. I've been pumping his stomach. We have no idea what to do or give him. The diarrhea has stopped however please help.
Jan. 12, 2021
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello If your pet is vomiting, he should be seen be a veterinarian as soon as possible. The bones could be causing a blockage. You can try offering boiled chicken and rice in small amounts. Unfortunately there is nothing you can give over the counter. Good luck.
Jan. 12, 2021
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American Staffordshire Terrier
Nine Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
She was in a fight with another dog and has lacerations on neck, back, and chest. She wasn't moving for almost 2 days. She won't eat hardly at all, and drinks very little.
Dec. 8, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
1 Recommendations
I'm so sorry to hear this, she sounds very poorly. She needs to see a vet immediately as she may be in shock She also almost certainly needs her wounds treated and a course of antibiotics and pain relief.
Dec. 8, 2020
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American Bulldog
Six Months
Unknown severity
3 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Our pup was let outside around 0600 this morning and after 10 minutes he was found in our backyard laying down, not moving, not breathing and has since passed away. I tried to provide CPR and rescue breaths and could not save him. He has acted completely normal the past 24 hours. He has small road rash looking marks on his chin and his left inner thigh & a small hemorrhage under his left upper eyelid. I do not know what could have happened to our baby. I took him to our local vet around 9:30 this morning to have an x-ray and the vet stated there was no foreign matter in his abdomen? What else?
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
I'm sorry for your loss, that is terrible. Without being able to see him, it is hard to say what might have happened, but if he had signs of road rash and bruising, I would worry about some kind of trauma. Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Shih Tzu/Blue Heeler
Three Years
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
he jumped off the moving car and slid so he scratch his left side of his chest as well as near his eye and he has a lil bit of blood in his eye
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Papito
Silky Terrier
17 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Good evening, I don't know what to do in this matter with the stay in place stressed upon us state wide. With staying home all day we as a family decided to get out the house (backyard) and get some sun. We had a BBQ on the back deck. My dog, of course, joined the family. He is blind and for his age of about 17 human years, is in good health. He is a blind silky terrier. though he usually stays by me, he decided to roam the deck (about 2-3 flights in height), but fit through the bars and fell. typing this i want to cry for him. this took place Sunday late evening. I ran to him. He stood, shaking tremendously. I gave him a warm calming bath to relax him and have the moment to feel around for anything broken. I'm not a vet but he showed no signs of pain; just shock. I felt everything in tact. I've just try to have him rest for the last couple of days. Today, Monday evening he was walking around, tail up, much better with a slight difference in his step. My only concern is, he isn't eating a lot but, still eating some. though he seems to be throwing up a lot. There hasn't been a change in diet. Defecation seems ok (a bit small)and urine appears normal. Again, I'm not a vet. Any suggestions? Again, 17 yr/old silky terrier fell from 2-3 flight back deck. No bleeding and everything appears in tact. Only concern is the vomit. Its often and appears to me to be more than what he is consuming. Keep in mind, stay in place is in action due to Covid-19. Please reply to me at m.west84@ymail.com ASAP. I would really appreciate it. thank you for your time.
Lily
Australian Shepherd
8 Years
Critical severity
0 found helpful
Critical severity
Has Symptoms
Over the period of about a month, Lily, now deceased, a close friend of mines dog, lost 22 pounds, would not eat, would drink in excess when she did drink, stayed sleeping In isolation in the back room of the home, and towards the end had a horrible odor, she was not fixed and she was 8 or 9 years old. There were people staying with him around the time that the problems first started that ended badly. He had five dogs, now four, and Lily was his favorite and he had her the longest of all of them. I want to believe it was an autoimmune disease or anything but what I am obviously considering strongly to be an option but the blood test that his vet for results from was returned inconclusive. Please give me your honest opinion on this because I believe his vet did not.
Masa
Doberman Pinscher
9 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Last month our dog was vomiting and dry heaving. The vet gave a shot to stop the vomiting and prescribed an antacid, they thought it was simply acid reflux, no other tests were done and he appeared to recover. Now a month later it began again, so I did same thing the vet did minus the shot. I gave him antacids. Now 3 days later he is still dry heaving but now he is refusing to eat and barely drinking water. He is breathing quick and shallow, drooling and there appears to be pink in his drool. His gums also seem less pink than usual. We literally cannot afford to take him for more tests, we have no credit card and our bank account is nearly overdrawn so we have no idea how we can help him.
Sam
Standard Dachshund
3 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I have a question. My long-haired doxie ran away early morning (2am) and did not return until 3:45pm. He is extremely lethargic. He will not eat or drink. I took him a cool bath. He just laid there. I dont know if he got heat stroke, hit by a car, or ate something he wasn't supposed to. We live out in the country so being bit by a snake or something is possible. However, I didn't see anything when I looked him over.
Pepper
Maltese poodle
8 Years
Critical severity
0 found helpful
Critical severity
Has Symptoms
I know this post is older, but I am really looking for closure. I had an adorable maltese mix named Pepper. He was always very healthy at his vet wellness checks. I was working one evening and I get a dreaded call from my partner, He said my dog was in bad shape, I said what happened? He told me he found my dog under our shed hiding and wimpering. I closed the store and rushed home to find my dog laying down, breathing heavy, rapidly gasping for air like the life was running out of him. I was in shock. I immediately phoned around for a 24 hr vet hospital since it was a Saturday night. My partner had cleaned him up, said he was bloody like he had been in a fight. I got to the vet hospital, and they took one look at him and asked if I wanted to order x-rays. I confirmed yes. His ribs were broken in two spots, almost like a 's' shape but no spinal damage which gave the vet hope. She had to stick a pin in his lungs for some reason I can't remember. It helped his breathing. He stayed in the vet hospital that night and through the morning when they released him. (Pepp was 11 pounds. Next vet visit he was 7.He seemed like he lost certain cognitive abilities. He wasn't the same dog.) He was ordered to stay in his crate and only get up to go potty, which I had to hold him up to potty and it broke my heart even more. I asked the vet what they think happened. They said probably a coyote attack. Would 9 broken ribs, a lung tear and a gash on his head be an attack or something else? He seemed to be getting better. attack was sept 30th 2017. He had regular bowel movements and still had an appetite. I got up one mng & to my horror he was gone. I suspect it was a seizure or clot or was it something else? He passed on Jan 4th 2018. Part of me died that day. I know I did all I could but I'm just looking for an explanation that my vet couldn't give me. They said it could have been a complication. My dog was almost 8 1/2. A rescue and my best friend. Im still not over what happened to him. I don't know if it really was a cyote, if The attack may have happened in our own yard? by the description of his initial injuries, is it more of a big dog/cyote attack or does it sound more of domestic issue that could have been inflicted by a man or vehicle?
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