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Bleeding after biopsy.

Species: Dog
Breed: Black Lab
Age: 5-8 years
My dog has been diagnosed with Cancer(hemangiosarcoma). The tiny hole were we removed skin for the biopsy will not heal. What are my options to stop the bleeding? Thank You




Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with hemangiosarcoma in your dog. I am assuming from what you have described that this is a skin tumor (as opposed to hemangiosarcoma on the spleen)?

I have a few questions for you before I can answer this question fully:

Where is the hole? (a leg, on the side of the chest, elsewhere?)

When was the biopsy done?

How much bleeding is there over the day? (i.e. a cup of blood, a few drops of blood)

Thanks...I am in between a busy day of appointments so I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can after you answer those questions for me.

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Sorry for being so vague.

The hole is in his right Paw

The biopsy was performed about 35 days ago

There is steady drip from the wound or a spray if I squeeze it. The hole has reduced in size to a pin hole where as 25 days ago the spray was as thick as Q tip shaft. I suspect he is loosing a half a cup of blood a day judging by the amount in his dressing when I change them. He is still eating and drinking ok at this point.



Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

I'm so sorry for the wait! I had a dog come in with a broken leg that put me behind on my appointments.

What a frustrating problem. It sounds like there is a small blood vessel that is constantly leaking. A hemangiosarcoma is usally a very vascular type of cancer which means that it bleeds very easily.

There are a few things that I would do if this was my case. First of all, I would likely be putting him on some oral antibiotics. If a wound (i.e. biopsy site) is not healing properly then it can sometimes mean that there is infection present.

Next, I may try using something called Gel-foam. This is a substance that you can "squish" into a wound to help promote clotting and stop bleeding. I would then bandage the foot again after this.

Unfortunately though these are not things that you can do at home...Rugar is going to need to see the doctor again to do this.

It is possible that Rugar may need to have another surgery. If there is a blood vessel that is bleeding then the vet may need to open up the area and suture that vessel. Really, if it is still bleeding after 35 days then I am worried that this may have to happen.

I really hope things are ok!

Dr. Marie.



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.