Why would blood come from my dogs nose after he was put-to-sleep?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – After having our dog put to sleep, blood came out of her snout. The vet just said that it wasn't that common but that was it. Do you have any ideas as to why that happened? Thank you so much!

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Michelle Miller

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email Michelle. Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. There are several causes for blood coming from the snout (nose).

If it is a frothy bloody fluid a common cause is Congestive Heart Failure(CHF). Primary Lung Tumors (Lung Cancer, Pulmonary Neoplasia) could also cause blood in some dogs. Other causes including bleeding disorders from rat poison or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Trauma (such as a dog hit by a car) is another cause. I inserted links to the above conditions to give you more information on them.

CHF is the most common cause in older dogs.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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