What are Internal Injuries?
An open wound can sometimes be easier to deal with because it is visible and the solution might be relatively straightforward for your veterinarian to determine. But internal injuries can be 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.
Symptoms of Internal Injuries in Dogs
- Early signs can be a rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
- Depression
- Black diarrhea
- Gum change in colors – pale or blue is very serious
- Your dog may go into a coma indicating shock
- Whimpering on being touched or moved
- Glazed eyes
- Inability to focus
- Coughing or vomiting up blood
- Bruising or scrape wounds
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Heart attack
Types
- Sudden trauma can cause internal injuries; contact with a moving vehicle, falls, dog fights and sadly, human abuse can all cause internal injury within your dog.
- Trauma can cause damages to the internal organs, broken bones including the neck and spine, and internal bleeding that can cause your pet to go into shock
- Apart from trauma, there are varying types of medical conditions such as a tumor, or damages to the spleen (common in older dogs) that can cause internal injury
- Poisons are also known to cause types of internal damage and internal bleeding
Causes of Internal Injuries in Dogs
- Falls off a deck or balcony – dogs can suffer internal damages during falls from high elevations; this is becoming more common as more people and their dogs live in high-rise apartments
- Poisons like rat bait or human medications contain anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting which can cause internal damages and bleeding
- Fractures of bones - for example the spine, that can cause damage to internal organs
- Tumors of the spleen or other areas can cause internal bleeding
- Trauma – your dog gets hit violently by a vehicle in an accident
- Lacerations of the kidney, spleen or liver are quite common
- Attack from another dog or dogs
- Abuse by humans
Diagnosis of Internal Injuries in Dogs
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 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.
Treatment of Internal Injuries in Dogs
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.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Internal Injuries in Dogs
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.
Internal Injuries Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
American Staffordshire Terrier
Nine Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
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
Answered by 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
Was this question and answer helpful?
American Bulldog
Six Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Concave Chest
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 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
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih Tzu/Blue Heeler
Three Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bruise
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
Answered by 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
Was this question and answer helpful?
Dachshund
Seven Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Neck Pain
Door slammed the dogs neck caught
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
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 for them.
Oct. 14, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pomchi
7 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tear Stains
My dog got hit by a car about two months ago and ever since he has tear stains
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I'm not sure that the tear staining is related to being hit by a car, but it is a common thing and small breed dogs as they get older. It can help to gently wipe that area on their face two or three times a day with a moist tissue, or there are over the counter wipes made to help prevent the staining from the tears. If there is a problem with your dog's eyes where they tear more than normal, that maybe something that your veterinarian can help you with. It may be a good idea to have your Veterinary and look at your dog's eyes and make sure that there isn't a problem before you start using the wipes. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Sept. 24, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Toy Yorkie
Grizzly bear
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Doesn'T Move
I have a toy yorkie/ poodle with 3 legs we was in a car wreck a couple days ago where grizz was thrown n the first day he could walk but not alot he would. But the next day I came home from hospital n he wasnt moving at all he just cried for me to pick him up. I did every careful n we laid down together but next day I went to feed my crew he wouldn't stand I tried to help him n he would but he fall..he eats fine n drinks fine n.breathing.is.good crys when he knows I'm leaving ( n he always does that) ..my mom says just let him rest. So I have him in kennel by my bed w door open facing me....I talk w him n I'm just worried something really bad wrong w him..n we haven't went to doctors because I just back from hospital n really don't have any money too right now...but I'm so scared for him..
Yorkshire Terrier
Kyrie
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Disorientation
Hard Breathing
Unconscious
My dog kyrie got hit by a door when my dad went outside, my dog got in the way and he got hit really hard. At first he didnt move at all.His heartbeat was slow.We tried giving him CPR and it worked. He started breathing but he still needed some help. He was breathing really hard and it sounded like he was in pain.I want to know what is his condition or what this could mean. By the way he was kinda unconcious at first and he was hit on his right side.I love him please help
