Dog Vomiting Blood: Emergency Causes & Vet Treatment

Discovering blood in your dog’s vomit is alarming and requires immediate attention. The presence of blood, known as hematemesis, indicates that there’s bleeding somewhere in your dog’s digestive tract, from the mouth to the upper small intestine. While mild cases might stem from minor irritations, many causes are serious and potentially life-threatening.

Emergency Causes of Vomiting Blood

Several urgent medical conditions can cause a dog to vomit blood:

• Bleeding Disorders: Conditions like rodenticide poisoning (warfarin-based rat poison), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), and von Willebrand’s disease can impair blood clotting, leading to widespread bleeding, including into the stomach and intestines.
• Severe Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can erode blood vessels, causing significant bleeding. Certain medications (like NSAIDs), stress, and underlying diseases can trigger ulcer formation.
• Foreign Body Obstruction: Sharp objects lodged in the esophagus or stomach can injure the lining and cause bleeding. The constant irritation and inflammation can also lead to vomiting blood.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat): This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. The resulting tissue damage can lead to vomiting blood. Commonly seen in large, deep-chested breeds.
• Parvovirus: Particularly in puppies, parvovirus can cause severe damage to the intestinal lining, resulting in bloody vomiting and diarrhea.
• Toxins: Ingestion of corrosive substances like cleaning products can burn the lining of the esophagus and stomach, leading to hematemesis.
• Cancer: Tumors in the stomach or esophagus can bleed as they grow and erode surrounding tissues.

Recognizing Different Types of Blood

The appearance of blood in vomit can provide clues about its origin:

• Bright Red Blood: Indicates fresh bleeding, likely from the esophagus or stomach.
• Dark Red/Brown Blood (Coffee Grounds): Suggests that the blood has been partially digested, indicating bleeding further down the digestive tract.

Veterinary Treatment

Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam and ask about your dog’s history, including potential toxin exposure or recent medication use.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood Tests: To assess organ function, blood clotting ability, and rule out infections.
• Fecal Exam: To check for parasites or blood.
• Radiographs (X-rays) or Ultrasound: To identify foreign bodies, masses, or GDV.
• Endoscopy: A camera is inserted into the esophagus and stomach to visualize the lining and take biopsies.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may involve:

• Fluid Therapy: To combat dehydration and support blood pressure.
• Medications: Antacids to reduce stomach acid, anti-nausea medication to control vomiting, antibiotics for infections, and medications to treat bleeding disorders.
• Surgery: May be necessary to remove foreign bodies, correct GDV, or remove tumors.
• Blood Transfusion: In cases of severe blood loss.

Don’t delay seeking veterinary care if you observe your dog vomiting blood. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and be prepared to provide your vet with detailed information about the episode, including the appearance of the vomit and any potential exposures.