03/15/2025
Hemoabdomens in Pets: What You Need to Know
Following up on Dr Yamamoto's latest Java with Jeanette the Vet -- A hemoabdomen is internal bleeding in a pet’s abdomen, and it can happen with little to no warning. One moment, your pet may seem completely normal, and the next, they could become weak or even collapse. This unpredictability is what makes hemoabdomens so difficult for families—it’s impossible to know if a small bleed will stop or if it will turn into a life-threatening emergency.
While trauma (such as being hit by a car) can cause a hemoabdomen, in hospice care, we most often see it caused by a mass or tumor on an internal organ—usually the spleen, liver, or kidneys. Many of these masses are malignant cancers, like hemangiosarcoma, which can silently grow for months before suddenly rupturing and causing internal bleeding.
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How Do You Know If Your Pet Is Bleeding?
Your pet won’t show external signs of bleeding—it’s all happening inside the abdomen. That’s why we teach pet parents to watch for these warning signs:
• Pale or white gums (instead of healthy pink)
• Lethargy or sudden weakness
• Heavy breathing (oxygen levels may be dropping)
• Cool ears, paws, or belly (a sign of poor circulation)
• A bloated belly (indicating internal bleeding)
• Sudden collapse
These symptoms may mean your pet is in shock and needs immediate medical attention.
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The Uncertainty: Could the Bleeding Stop?
Sometimes, a small bleed will clot and stop on its own, allowing your pet to return to normal for days or even weeks. But there’s no way to know if or when the next bleed will happen—or if their body will be able to stop it. With each episode, pets become weaker, and eventually, one bleed will be too much for their body to recover from.
Because of this uncertainty, we encourage families to prepare ahead of time. Some pets pass suddenly from a catastrophic internal bleed, while others decline more gradually. Having a plan in place can help prevent a crisis decision.
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When Is It Time?
This is the hardest question of all. Because hemoabdomens are unpredictable, we often suggest making an end-of-life decision before your pet is in distress. Things to consider:
• Is my pet still able to enjoy their favorite things?
• Have they had multiple bleeds, becoming weaker each time?
• Am I worried about them suffering from a sudden, traumatic event?
Some families choose to wait and monitor their pet closely. Others decide to say goodbye before an emergency happens, while their pet is still comfortable. There is no right or wrong answer—only what is best for you and your beloved companion.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a hemoabdomen, we encourage you to talk with your veterinarian about next steps. We’re here to support you through this difficult journey—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mobile veterinary company providing in-home euthanasia for dogs and cats.
