Why is my dog's tongue blue?
If you notice your dog's tongue is blue or you find yourself asking 'Why is my dog's skin turning purple?', we understand that it can be quite worrisome. This issue is known as cyanosis. Cyanosis indicates that the tissues of the body aren't receiving an appropriate amount of oxygen. While there can be many possible causes of cyanosis, they are all related to the blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin.
It is extremely important to note that if your dog's breed is a Chow Chow or a Shar-pei, there may not be any cause for concern. The color may just be the extra pigmentation that naturally occurs in these breeds. With that being the case, routine veterinary exams are all the more important because if your dog's tongue is naturally a bluish color, you may not notice much of a change if they develop cyanosis.
What are the signs & symptoms of cyanosis in dogs?
While the main symptom of cyanosis is blue gums and skin in dogs, there may be other indicators, including:
- Respiratory distress, such as panting
- Coughing or wheezing.
- Extreme tiredness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Collapsing
If your dog shows signs of cyanosis, such as blue or purple gums, tongue, or skin discoloration, seek emergency care immediately. Cyanosis may indicate heart or lung problems, so seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible is essential to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
What causes dogs to experience cyanosis?
Respiratory issues are typically the cause of cyanosis in dogs. These conditions include:
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Smoke inhalation
- Choking
- Anemia
- Heart problem
- Heartworm disease
- Paralysis of the larynx
Are there any other significant causes of cyanosis in dogs?
Trauma or injuries that affect the muscles of the diaphragm or chest wall can result in difficulty breathing which may lead to cyanosis. Conditions affecting the nervous system such as brain tumors, strokes, paralysis, or poisoning can cause the inability to breathe properly. The resulting lack of oxygen can cause the appearance of blue skin in dogs.
How is cyanosis in dogs diagnosed?
Your vet will likely start by performing a physical exam. This may include measuring your dog's oxygen levels by placing a small device called a pulse oximeter on an area of your dog, such as the tongue or tip of the ear.
If cyanosis can't be determined with an examination alone, your vet may recommend further diagnostic tests such as blood work and X-rays, or a heart function assessment to help identify the underlying cause.
What are the treatment options and prognosis for dogs with cyanosis?
If cyanosis becomes apparent, the first step will be to determine the cause. Once the cause is determined and treatment begins, the cyanosis should be resolved. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of the condition and the length of time that the affected tissues were without oxygen, there may be some long-term or even life-long damage.
Treating cyanosis usually involves administering oxygen immediately. Your vet may remove excess fluid to ease lung pressure and help the lungs expand. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to make a small hole in the windpipe to make breathing easier.
Your dog may also need special medication to help with breathing. The exact medication will depend on the cause of your dog's cyanosis. In some cases, your vet might recommend changes to their daily routine or a special diet to address the underlying issue.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.