Cat Bleeding Diagnosis

The causes of cat bleeding can range from a minor cut or sore to a serious injury or disease. Treatments and diagnosis are equally varied. However your cat is bleeding, seek prompt medical attention for him in order to prevent related complications like anemia, an insufficiency of red blood cells. In some cases, immediate treatment may be necessary to stop further bleeding before you and your vet can accurately diagnose and treat the condition. Read on for a brief overview of diagnosing feline bleeding.

Take Note of Related Symptoms

If you notice that your cat is bleeding, or if you see spots of blood on his bedding, in the litter box or elsewhere, pay careful attention to your pet. Watch out for any signs of injury or other potential complications. As you're petting or brushing your cat, gently and thoroughly examine his body to determine where the bleeding may have occurred. In the case of minor cuts and injuries, your cat's body may have naturally stopped the bleeding process. If your pet's bleeding is more severe or persistent, you will likely be able to discern the source of the blood upon a close inspection.

Make a note of when you first observed your cat's bleeding and any other symptoms or unusual signs that you detect. Take your cat to the veterinarian right away.

Diagnosing Cat Bleeding

Your vet will utilize the information that you provide regarding your pet's symptoms in order to begin the diagnostic process. He will likely start by examining your cat for signs of outer injury, as these are the most common causes of bleeding. A physical examination is helpful in determining any external injuries or wounds that may be bleeding.

He may continue by checking your pet's orifices for signs of bleeding. If it is difficult to determine where your pet's blood is coming from, the mouth, nose, ears, genitals and anus are likely candidates. The vet will be on the lookout for signs of redness and irritation, mucous or other discharge, spots of blood and other warning signs.

Your cat's bleeding may also be internal, with blood passing through his urine or stool. If this is the case, your veterinarian will conduct a stool sample examination or a urinalysis test to determine the source of the internal bleeding. Additional blood samples may be helpful as well, if your vet suspects that your pet's bleeding is caused by another underlying condition or disease.

Following a successful diagnosis, you and your vet can determine the best way to address your pet's bleeding. If you suspect that your cat has lost a large quantity of blood, as in the case of major trauma, a blood transfusion may be necessary for stabilization purposes. In other cases, iron supplements and dietary changes can help restore your pet to equilibrium. You must also address the underlying cause of your cat's bleeding in order to ensure that it does not continue.

 

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