Mucous Membranes Hold a Wealth of Medical Information

Amy Sorbie is a member of the medical team featured on Animal Planet's highly rated television series Emergency Vets.

Changes in mucous membrane color can alert owners to medical emergencies or help in early detection of serious illness. Mucous membrane color is one of the first parameters veterinarians check when a dog comes in to an emergency clinic. In most dogs the gums and inside the lips are the most easily evaluated mucous membranes, however, dogs with completely black gums and lips are difficult to impossible to evaluate. Making note of the normal gum color of each dog in a household can be lifesaving knowledge. This article will discuss the reasons for some of the more common changes in mucous membrane color.

Cyanosis - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes due to a lack of oxygen. This bluish color is often accompanied by difficulty breathing and/or coughing. Cyanosis can be caused by respiratory, cardiac, or neuromuscular problems. Respiratory problems can include airway foreign body, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, swelling from snake bite, electric shock, near drowning, or blockage due to tumor. Some cardiac problems include congestive heart failure and congenital defects like tricuspid valve problems and right to left shunt disease. Neuromuscular problems include tick paralysis and organophosphate poisoning. Diseases associated with cyanosis are usually extremely life threatening. Dogs exhibiting these signs should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Treatments can include oxygen therapy and even tracheostomy.

Petechia or bruising - Petechia looks like red pin point dots on the mucous membranes or skin, it is primarily caused by clotting disorders, usually platelet problems. These can be caused by autoimmune disease, drug reactions, cushings syndrome, infectious ehrlichiosis, and congenital platelet function defects like Von Willebrand's disease. If a dog exhibits petechia or an unusual amount of bruising, extreme care should be taken to restrict activity to prevent traumatic hemorrhage. Death can be caused by bleeding into the brain and vital organs, or shock due to decreased blood volume. Veterinary care for animals with petechia is critical. Treatment can include fluid therapy and blood transfusion, but diagnosis of the underlying cause is vital to recovery.

Icterus - Icterus is a yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes and skin due to high billirubin levels in the body. Some reasons for icterus are bile duct occlusion, any kind of liver disease such as drug toxicity or hepatitis, disorders that cause destruction of red cells like autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or infectious causes like ehrlichiosis and leptospirosis. Diseases that cause icterus are usually life threatening and the prognosis is often guarded. Animals exhibiting these signs should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment is varied depending on cause.

Pale mucous membranes - Pale mucous membranes can have many causes. Hemorrhage either externally from wounds or internally into body cavities, lungs, and fracture sites is one cause. Any kind of shock can cause pale mucous membranes as well as many metabolic diseases. This can be a very dangerous condition, especially when accompanied by difficulty breathing. In some cases the important oxygen carrying red cells become so depleted the dog increases respiration to compensate for lack of oxygen in his or her system. Contact with your veterinarian is imperative. He or she will be able to guide you as to the danger of the situation. If your veterinarian is not available, go to your nearest emergency facility. Treatments can include blood transfusion, fluid therapy and sometimes aggressive life support.

This is a simplified overview of some serious and complicated medical conditions. A dog may not show any of the above mentioned signs and still be in a life threatening situation. With this information mucous membrane color is one way an owner might notice when their dog is not well. Many people just know when their animals are not acting right. Contact your veterinarian any time you have concerns about the health of your pet.