Accepted Answer

Thanks for the question.

I am sorry to hear about your dog, at 15 years of age he is an old lad and the hip problems would be very common in that age group.

The anaemia on the other hand is not age related, while anaemia is a complex subject you can break the causes down in a simple fashion as follows :

1. Anaemia of blood loss. This could be external blood loss via a wound or internal bleeding in situations like cancer of the spleen. the course of action here is to find the source of the bleeding.

2. Anaemia of reduced production of blood cells. This would occur for example in viral infections affecting the bone marrow or leukaemias. This form of anaemia can be difficult to treat.

3. Increased destruction of red blood cells. This can happen is various autoimmune diseases where the immune system for some reason recognises the bodies red cells as foreign and starts to destroy them. This is treatable with steroids such as prednisolone.

In direct answer to your question : I cannot diagnose this over the internet but some forms of anaemia are treatable. Nose bleeds can occur with autoimmune related anaemia. I think you have got to get your dog back to the vet first thing in the morning or before if he deteriorates. There is little you can do on your own here, at fifteen it might be the end because that is a very old age for a Lab, but your vet will advise you ...

Please let me know tomorrow how things go.

If I can advise you further please get back in touch.

Scott Nimmo BVMS



If I can advise you further do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Scott Nimmo BVMS

Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS.
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:	2348
Answered:	6/23/2008

Dog Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of canine medicine and surgery.