Has your dog's skin started changing color, becoming purple or blueish? They may be experiencing cyanosis. In this post, you will learn about the causes and dangers of cyanosis in dogs, as well as the prognosis and treatment options.
Why is my dog's tongue blue?
When a pet parent finds themselves asking 'Why is my dog's skin turning blue or purple?', it can cause a great deal of concern. This issue is known as cyanosis. Cyanosis indicates that the tissues of the body aren't getting enough oxygen. While there can be many possible causes of cyanosis, they are all related to the blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin.
What are the signs of cyanosis in dogs?
While the main symptom of cyanosis is blue skin on dogs, there may be other indicators, including:
- Respiratory distress, such as panting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Extreme tiredness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Collapse
If your dogs are showing any of the above signs of cyanosis, seek emergency care right away.
What causes dogs to experience cyanosis?
Conditions that lead to cyanosis are usually related to the dog's respiratory system in some way. These conditions include:
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Smoke inhalation
- Choking
- Anemia
- Heart problems
- Heartworm disease
- Paralysis of the larynx
Are there any other major causes of cyanosis in dogs?
Trauma or damage that affects the muscles of the diaphragm or chest wall can result in difficulty breathing, which is another possible cause of cyanosis.
Conditions affecting the nervous system like brain tumors, strokes, paralysis or poisoning can cause the inability to breathe properly. The resulting lack of oxygen can cause the skin to appear blueish.
How is cyanosis in dogs diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination that may include measuring your dog's oxygen level using a small pulse oximeter on the tongue or tip of the ear.
If the cause of your dog's cyanosis cannot be determined by examination alone, your vet may consider further diagnostic testing, such as blood work, chest X-rays, and heart function assessment.
Can cyanosis in dogs be cured?
If your dog is diagnosed with cyanosis the first step will be to determine the cause. Once the cause is determined, appropriate treatment can begin to help resolve the issue. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of the condition and the length of time that the affected tissues were without sufficient oxygen, there may be some long-term effects.
How is cyanosis treated?
Treating cyanosis usually involves giving oxygen right away. Sometimes, excess fluid may need to be removed from the chest to ease lung pressure and allow them to expand normally. Your vet may also make a small hole in your pup's windpipe to make breathing easier.
Special medications may also be required to help with breathing. The exact medication will depend on the underlying cause of your dog's cyanosis.
In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes may be recommended to help address your dog's underlying issue.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.