Any Blood or fluids seepage from a swelling in places like the the ear flap of your dog or cat. Seepage that has accumulated because of a swelling of the ear and is seeping because of damages to the ear flap skin. In case the seepage continuous, consult a veterinarian. Seepage can also occur after a surgery. Keep track of the amount of seepage, if it is more than two cups, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is required.
How to Recognize
When seepage of blood or fluid in your pet appears as a noticeable swelling, it can be a frightening discovery. Some causes of seepage are easily explained and treated, and others are much more serious. When blood or fluid seeps within your pet’s body, you may notice a sizeable swelling. This can occur anywhere on your dog or cat, including ears, limbs and abdomen. In some cases, the collected fluid may ooze from the body as a result of your pet licking and opening the skin at the affected area.
Causes of Blood Or Fluid Seepage
Blood can seep and pool into the flap of a pet’s ear. This is usually caused by physical trauma to the ear, and the resulting swelling is called an aural hematoma. Sanguineous fluid, which contains blood, can seep into a healing surgical site, such as in the case of a spay procedure, when the dog or cat has been too active during the recovery period. This type of swelling is called a seroma.
Diagnosis
If your dog or cat has an aural hematoma, your veterinarian will only need to aspirate the blood from the earflap to confirm the diagnosis. If your pet is recuperating from surgery and develops a seroma, the veterinarian will be able to confirm a seroma with a quick examination. In less obvious presentations of swelling, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination, and the contents of the swelling will be aspirated. The fluid may be sent to a laboratory for cytology. Other diagnostic tests that may be necessary include a complete blood panel, radiographs of the affected area, an abdominal ultrasound and an echocardiogram of the heart.
Similar Symptoms
Other signs to watch for in your pet include persistent licking at an area or limping. Some cases of blood or fluid seepage are not always evident with swelling and will present with other signs, such as difficulty breathing, pale gums or changes in heart rate.
Possible Conditions
Some more serious conditions that cause seepage in dogs and cats include lymphedema, which is a condition in which interstitial fluid seeps as a result of an impairment of the lymphatic system. An accumulation of fluid, such as in the limbs of a dog or cat, can result from heart disease. Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid seeps into the lung. Blood can seep and collect into tumors, such as splenic masses.
Treatment for Blood Or Fluid Seepage
In the case of an aural hematoma, surgery will be recommended to end the accumulation of blood and to prevent physical disfigurement of the ear. In the case of a seroma, the fluid usually reabsorbs on its own, and no treatment is necessary. Other causes of blood or fluid seepage in pets will require specific treatments, such as surgery, hospitalization, lifelong medication or chemotherapy.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
