Many owners won̵7;t notice a bruise on their dog, usually due to the fur. However, bruises on dogs in the absence of recent injury may be symptoms of serious disease. While bruises may not be obvious, recognizing some of the other signs of disease may be critical to saving a dog̵7;s life.
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Cushing's Disease
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Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing̵7;s disease is the result of an excessive amount adrenal hormones. This condition usually occurs in older dogs but can occur in middle-aged dogs as well. Symptoms of Cushing̵7;s Disease include bruising, which can usually be seen due to hair loss; thirst and increased water intake; increased urination; increased appetite; and an enlarged abdomen.
Von Willebrand's Disease
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This bleeding disorder is usually inherited and affects blood clotting. Usually the dog is not producing one of the necessary ingredients for proper clotting function. Dogs who suffer from Von Willebrand̵7;s disease bleed excessively when injured, which can cause a serious, life-threatening situation. Additional symptoms include nosebleeds or bleeding of the gums, internal bleeding, occasional bruising and blood in the urine.
Leukemia
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Leukemia is a well-known cancer affecting blood stem cells within the bone marrow. Often treated with chemotherapy, blood transfusions and antibiotics, this condition has a variety of symptoms, including loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition to these, many dogs will exhibit abnormal behaviors and experience seizures. Other symptoms include pale gums, unusual bleeding or bruising, and lameness.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever is found in dogs living along the East Coast, in the Midwest and on the Plains of the United States. It is transmitted by ticks who carry the Rickettsia rickettsii organism and can affect both dogs and humans. Common symptoms include fever, depression and loss of appetite. Some dogs will experience pain in their muscles or joints, swollen lymph nodes, bruises --especially at the site of infection, dizziness, depression, vomiting and diarrhea.
Ehrlichiosis
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Similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis is transmitted through tick bites. However, unlike Rocky Mountain spotted fever, this disease is found in nearly every part of the world. Dogs who suffer from ehrlichiosis may experience swollen lymph nodes and enlarged livers and spleens, anemia, lethargy and loss of appetite, in addition to shortness of breath, depression and fever. Bruising is very common with ehrlichiosis. Most dogs can fight off this infection on their own; however, some veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to aid in the fight.
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