My Dog's Knee Injury Is Bleeding

There are several types of injuries that can affect a dog's knee, though few cause external bleeding that is noticeable by the dog's owner. Some injuries may also cause internal bleeding, though this would only be recognized by a veterinarian. Bleeding of a canine knee injury, whether through a fresh wound or due to an operation, requires immediate veterinary attention.

  1. Signs of a Canine Knee Injury

    • It can be difficult for an owner to assess a canine knee injury. Some of the most common symptoms of a knee injury include hesitance to run or perform regular activities, swelling of the area, limping and difficulty sitting down or standing up. Occasionally, the knee injury may also bleed. The bleeding can be mild or severe. When a canine knee injury is bleeding, is important to seek immediate veterinary attention, as most knee injuries require surgery or some other form of treatment by a professional.

    Types of Canine Knee Injuries

    • There are several types of canine knee injuries that can cause bleeding. Fractures to the bones in or around the knees, open wounds from an animal attack or intentional harm to the knee can all result in bleeding. Knee injuries can also begin bleeding because of various surgeries to correct knee injuries.

    Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

    • There are many other causes of a bleeding knee injury. For example, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, or TPLO, is a surgery performed in dogs that repairs a cruciate ligament injury. There are multiple surgeries that can correct this injury, though TPLO is ideal as it also helps to slow the progression of arthritis, according to the Michigan Veterinary Specialists. In some cases, the dog's knee may bleed or bruise at the site of the surgery. When this occurs, it is important to contact the dog's veterinarian for prompt treatment.

    Tibial Tuberosity Advancement

    • Like TPLO, tibial tuberosity advancement, or TTA, is a surgery that works to repair a cruciate ligament injury. However, unlike TPLO, there should be no noticeable external bleeding following this surgery. If bleeding does occur, it can indicate that the dog has re-injured itself or caused damage to the recently repaired area. When bleeding occurs, it is important to contact the dog's veterinarian for immediate examination and necessary treatment.

    Prevention

    • The key to preventing bleeding from a knee injury is for the dog to get plenty of rest and allow the injury to properly heal. Proper healing, as directed by the veterinarian, will help prevent the dog from re-injuring the area. In some cases, recovery time may include prescribed medications for swelling or pain.