Anemia/pale gums- You may see weakness or lethargy, collapse, loss of appetite, a swollen abdomen,
nose bleed, red stools, dark stools, red vomit, dark vomit.
What we will do
- Gather Historical Data: How long ago were the symptoms noticed, and are there other symptoms are important information. How is the patient’s energy level? Some of these pets need rushed back for immediate emergency intervention.
- Gather Current Data: Pale gums does not always mean the patient is losing blood. Sometimes the gums are pale because the patient is very cold, or because there is poor tissue perfusion. A thorough physical examination may reveal the cause of shock or bleeding—or both. Digital X-rays, Blood pressure, EKG, ultrasound, and bloodwork usually are enough to determine the cause and help determine the best treatment. Cases that are anemic due to a blood or bone marrow disease will have further testing to help us determine how treatable it is.
- Treatment: Treatment depends on what is discovered from step 2. Most cases are seriously ill and are not candidates for outpatient treatment. IV fluids and sometimes IV blood or packed blood cells are used to support the heart and help it supply vital organs. Cases that are anemic because of an abdominal bleed can be rushed to surgery, though some types of abdominal bleeds, such as a bleeding splenic tumor, carry an unfavorable prognosis. We can help clients decide what may or may not be the best choice with cases where the prognosis is unfavorable.