A bruise is a traumatic injury of the soft tissues that results in leakage of red blood cells. Extreme reddish-purple discoloration in the skin. Often bruises are caused by external injuries, such as a hit to the body. Cats and dogs don't bruise as easily as humans do, because of their coat. If you notice excessive bruising, it may be caused by an internal medical condition in which a veterinarian should be consulted to determine the cause.
How to Recognize
A bruise can have a reddish, purplish, or blackish color. If your pet appears to get a lot of bruises and/or bruise frequently, your pet may have an underlying condition that causes excessive bruising.
Causes of Excessive Bruising
A bruise is usually caused by external trauma, but excessive bruising is due to an internal medical condition, such as von Willebrand's Disease or Canine Thrombocytopenia.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will take a blood sample and perform a series of blood tests.
Treatment for Excessive Bruising
Canine Thrombocytopenia may require corticosteroids or spleen removal, but there is no treatment for von Willebrand's disease. If your pet suffers from excessive bruising, make sure children and other animals do not play too roughly with your pet.
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.