Dog Bruise Causes & Treatment Methods Explained

Bruises are closed soft tissue injuries that do not involve skin lacerations. They typically occur due to falls, kicks, blows from sticks or clubs, or collisions with vehicles, all resulting from bluntforce trauma. Postinjury, the affected area may experience discomfort due to the obstruction of Qi flow, accompanied by pain. Additionally, damage to the meridians can lead to blood pooling outside the vessels, causing swelling and ecchymosis within the skin. In severe cases, internal injuries to tendons and muscles, fractures, vertebral misalignments, or even organ rupture may occur.

Symptoms:

Localized injuries may leave visible marks, such as hair loss or skin abrasions.

Swelling is often pronounced, with significant tenderness upon palpation. The affected area may cause the dog to resist touch, resulting in vocalization and resistance.

The dog may limp, drag its leg, be unsteady on its feet, sway while walking, and frequently lie down.

In severe cases of lumbar injury, the dog may sway while standing or even drag its hind legs, and may experience incontinence.

General Treatment Methods for Bruises:

1. Local Treatment:

Gently massage the affected area.

Apply medicated oils or ointments designed to promote blood circulation and reduce blood stasis, such as hong hua oil.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment:

The treatment focuses on relaxing tendons, promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain.

Medications like "Die Dang Shang Shang Wan" (Bruise and Sprain Pill) or "Da Huo Luo Wan" (Great Relaxing and Nourishing Pill) can be used, with dosages equivalent to those for adults.

A "Limping Powder" recipe includes: 3g of Dang Gui, 2g of Hong Hua, 2g of Tu Bie Chong, 1g of natural copper (prepared with vinegar), 2g of Gua Shan, 3g of Di Long, 2g of Da Huang, 2g of Zhi Nan Xing, 2g of Xue Jie, 2g of Ru Xiang, 2g of Mo Yao, and 2g of Gan Cao. This mixture is taken with wine or rice water, one dose daily for 3 to 5 days. External applications, such as Da Huang and Zhizi, can also be used for swelling.

3. Comprehensive Treatment:

Ensure the dog gets ample rest and avoids excessive movement.

Administer painkillers, antiinflammatory drugs, and nervenourishing agents.

A mixture of 0.5% procaine (48ml), 160,000 international units of penicillin, and 2ml of vitamin B1 can be injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly on either side of the lumbar spine. This treatment is repeated every 12 days, typically for 3 to 5 sessions.

Combine this with oral administration of "Die Dang Wan," taking 1/3 of a pill twice daily for 3 to 5 days.

Additionally, vitamin D2 calcium gelatin 1 to 2ml can be injected intramuscularly.