Bleeding under the skin in cats is a medical condition that often results from injuries that cause hemorrhaging under the outer epidermis. As blood vessels rupture, blood moves freely into nearby tissues.
There are three main types of subdermal bleeding that affect cats: bruising, ecchymosis, and petechia. Pet parents can often detect these conditions by noticing a discoloration of the skin.
If you see signs that your kitty might be suffering from injuries or bleeding, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of bleeding under the skin in cats.
Symptoms Of Bleeding Under The Skin In Cats
Bleeding under the skin in cats can appear in different ways depending on the type of injury. When blood vessels rupture, they can cause a visible discoloration of the skin, also known as bruising.
The discoloration might also take the form of purple patches called ecchymosis or red and purple dots called petechia.
Causes Of Bleeding Under The Skin In Cats
The main cause of bleeding under the skin in cats is usually a physical trauma or injury. Here are some other possible causes:
- Ingesting rodent poison
- Congenital disorders
- Bone marrow disease
- Anemia
- Suffering from immune-mediated conditions
Veterinary Treatments
If you notice that your cat is bleeding under the skin, then your veterinarian will want to carry out a fully physical examination. They’ll pay close attention to the potential presence of lesions around the affected areas.
The vet will also order blood and urine tests to make sure there are there are no blood clotting issues. In severe cases, vets may employ ultrasounds and X-rays to detect the cause of the bleeding.
Thankfully, in a lot of instances, cats won’t actually need specific treatment, as the issue will often clear up on its own. But if there is an underlying condition at play, your vet will recommended measures to target that condition.
However, in severe cases, cats may need a blood transfusion.
Has your cat ever suffered from bleeding under the skin? What was the cause? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
