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My dog has red spots on gums, belly, ear. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 9 months old | 25 lbs

My dogs has red spots on his gums, belly, and one year. Could this be emergent?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2017

Oh no. Poor Sawyer. Yes this is considered to potentially be an emergency situation. These red blotchy areas are called petechiae and this could indicate a spontaneous bleeding disorder or platelet malfunction. I would recommend taking Sawyer in to an ER vet to have blood testing done and appropriate treatment depending on blood analysis findings. Hopefully this is just a platelet abnormality and can be treated with steroids and antibiotics. Here is more information for you regarding this condition. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1412 Best of luck with Sawyer.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This would be considered an emergency. The combination of these red spots on the skin and gums can be a sign of a bleeding disorder which can become life threatening. There are many different causes for this condition which can include rodent poisons, immune mediated disease, infections, and cancer. The vet will check the blood to be sure a transfusion isn't needed and do testing to help determine what the cause of the bleeding disorder could be, and treatment will vary depending on the cause.

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