Severe external parasite infestation with fleas can also lead to anemia. Parasites: Certain internal parasites, specifically severe hookworm infestations, can latch onto the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing blood loss that leads to anemia. This enlarged stomach also cuts off blood supply to the lower half of the body, causing further circulation issues. This blocks the blood flow to and from the stomach and eventually leads to shock as the stomach enlarges and starts to die. Bloat: This condition is also called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with food, fluid, and gas and twists on itself.Some of these causes can be treated easily once diagnosed, while others require long-term or even lifelong therapy. Other causes of clotting issues include rat poison ingestion, cancers in the body (paraneoplastic syndrome), and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (low platelets due to immune destruction). Clotting disorders: Some dogs are born with abnormal clotting factors in the body, such as with Von Willebrand disease and Hemophilia A.An acute bleed occurs, which can lead to weakness, collapse, or even death if left untreated. Often, these tumors grow so large and so quickly that they rupture. Cancer: Some forms of cancer lead to bleeding tumors, which are most commonly found on the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.The gums become pale from decreased oxygenation to the tissues or from bleeding, in the case of heart-based tumors. Heart disease: Many heart conditions can lead to congestive heart failure, such as valvular disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and congenital malformations.If diagnosed appropriately and early, these are often treatable toxicities. Most rat poisons cause clotting deficiencies and lead to internal bleeding. Toxins: Certain toxins, such as rat poison, can lead to bleeding.This can occur rapidly and is usually fatal if left untreated. Shock: This is a life-threatening medical issue where the body has inadequate blood flow, leading to organ damage.The blood loss leads to anemia, causing pale to white gums. Internal bleeding: This can occur from trauma, bleeding ulcers or tumors, clotting disorders, severe parasite infestations (external or intestinal), or rodenticide (rat poison) ingestion.Drug reactions, snake bites, abnormal vaccination response, certain viruses, or primary immune system dysfunction can cause this condition. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA): This is a condition where the immune system starts to target and destroy red blood cells circulating in the body.Listed below are the most common causes of pale gums in dogs: Your vet will need to investigate the cause of the pallor (or anemia) to diagnose and treat it appropriately. Poor circulation from underlying health issues or shock can also lead to pallor. Without them, the body suffers a lack of oxygenation, which can lead to pale gums. These cells deliver oxygen to the organs. With anemia, the body has fewer circulating red blood cells. There are many possible causes of pale to white gums in dogs.Īnemia (low red blood cell count) can be caused by many things, and this can lead to pale or white gums. If you notice any change in the color of the gums, such as white, gray, blue, or yellow, this can be a signal of underlying health issues. It is best to do this when your dog is calm, quiet, and resting. Do this once or twice a month to check the color. Gently lift your dog’s upper lip or pull down on the lower lip to see your dog’s gums. Some dogs naturally have dark or black gums, but they are usually speckled with pink areas that you can check for changes in color. Normal dog gums should be a powder pink color, similar to the color of cooked shrimp. If your dog has pale pink or white gums, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for assessment, especially if they collapse, seem weak or lethargic, have a swollen belly, or are breathing weird or vomiting. There are many conditions that can cause pale gums, and some can be quite serious or even fatal if left untreated. This is also called pallor, which means loss of color. Having pale or white gums is not normal for dogs. It’s important to know your dog’s normal gum color so you can know when the color changes and something might be wrong. However, the color of your dog’s gums can give you important clues about their health. We usually only see them if a dog is yawning or barking, or we’re looking into their mouth.
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