Spot of Blood After Dog Cough / Hack

by Nicole
(Mobile, AL USA)

Yesterday when I came home from work my dog had vomited up a piece of a cracker, and she hacked (almost like a person trying to clear her throat) and spat a spot of blood. It was very bright and there was one spot.

Later she did the same "throat clear" hack and spat a drop of blood again. She didn't heave and actually vomit it.

Just in case, I gave her rice for supper last night and tonight, and her breakfast today to give her digestive system a rest. After I fed her tonight, she hacked again. She didn't vomit but did spit a drop of blood.

Because this happened after she ate, I think the cracker may have scratched her esophagus and eating may have irritated it. She's not running a fever and doesn't seem to be in any pain.

I pressed along her abdomen and didn't feel any lumps or obstructions, and it doesn't seem to hurt her at all. She's not lethargic; she was willing to play this evening and seems herself. No fever or discomfort is apparent, but I'm a pretty nervous pet mom.

No other coughs, she has vomited recently, but only normal dog vomit. Is my theory about the cracker sound or do I need to take her to the vet?

Saebra is a 5 year old female beagle/boston terrier/etc mix.

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Spot of Blood After Dog Cough / Hack

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My Online Vet Response for: Spot of Blood After Dog Cough/Hack
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Nicole,
A cracker should not have 'scratched' the esophagus. Could Saebra have eaten something else? Any access to rat poison? A Beagle/Boston Terrier mix is quite the combination for getting into mischief. There is no telling what she may have swallowed!

If there is an esophageal injury, and IF it is only superficial, then it should be healed in 3 days. Your plan of feeding easy-to-digest meals is good. Although, there are some other possibilities that need to be ruled out:

1. Bad dog teeth, with gingivitis and inflammation of the tonsils/pharynx area, so blood is coming from the throat.
2. Stomach ulcer, so blood is coming from the stomach.
3. Thrombocytopenia, an autoimmune disease which causes a loss of platelets so the body is unable to clot, therefore bleeding can occur from any mucous membrane.
4. Rat poison, causes hemorrhage by inhibiting the clotting mechanism.
5. Foreign body in the esophagus, creating an ulcer.

If you notice that her gums are pale or white, take her to the Emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY!

Also, you need to observe if her stool is a black color (This indicates there is bleeding somewhere in the upper GI tract).

In the meantime, if you do take her in for an exam, a full blood panel will show if she has adequate platelets, or if she is anemic or any other problems.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Why Does My Dog Cough?
- Dog Dental Hygiene
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Cough Section
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Mouth, Teeth, Tongue & Gums Section

Re: Dog Cough
by: Nicole Schlaudecker

She is a good bit of mischief. :) She could've gotten hold of something else, she likes to chew. She has no access to rat poison. Her gums are pink and her stool is a normal color and consistency - less of it the last day because I've given her less to eat.

The harsh cough went away and there was no more blood after Wednesday night. I'm keeping her on soft food for a few more days and keeping a hawk eye on her till I'm sure.

My Online Vet Response for: Spot of Blood After Dog cough/hack
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Nicole,
Excellent! It sounds like she is on the road to recovery at this point. Once you have returned back to a 'normal' healthy diet, if her stool starts to show any black color, or tarry consistency, it may indicate there is some bleeding still occurring in her upper GI.

And I would advise having her checked out, and perhaps even an x-ray of her stomach to rule out a foreign body.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us
by clicking the like button at the top of the left
margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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