Pale Gums in a Scottish Terrier

Pale Gums in a Scottish Terrier
Dermatologists place a high value on paleness because the less sun you get, the lower your risk for skin cancer. Veterinarians, however, have always preferred the color pink - at least when they are looking at your Scotties gums. When the gums change from bubble-gum pink to pale, oxygen is probably in short supply, and there is an internal problem that needs to be taken care of.

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Pale gums usually mean that a Scottie doesn't have enough red blood cells, a condition called anemia. Anemia is serious because red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. When there aren't enough of them, oxygen levels fall, and pets get weak and tired. Parasites are one of the most common causes of anemia. Dogs a nd cats produce just enough red blood cells to stay healthy. When fleas, hookworms, or other blood-sucking parasites are drinking their fill, there may not be enough blood to go around. Pale gums may be a sign of internal bleeding, resulting from ulcers or even cancer. Internal bleeding that goes on long enough can also cause anemia.
The light-colored gums in Scottish Terriers can also be caused by a serious condition called autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in which the immune system mistakenly destroys red blood cells. This type of anemia may be hereditary, with cocker spaniels, Shetland sheepdogs, collies, English springer spaniels, Old English sheepdogs, Irish setters, and poodles having the highest risk.
Finally, anemia may be a side effect of medications. Drugs such as estrogen, chloramphenicol (an antibiotic), and phenylbutazone (taken for pain) may inhibit the blood marrow from producing red blood cells. Scotties that are taking aspirin for pain will sometimes develop ulcers and internal bleeding.
Pale gums in a Scottish Terrier doesn't always mean that your Scottie  has anemia. After a serious accident, for example, blood pressure can fall to dangerously low levels because the heart is so busy pumping blood to vital organs that it neglects more-distant regions like the gums, toes, or the tips of the ears. This drop in blood pressure and the resulting pale gums mean that a Scottie is going into shock and needs emergency care.
Giving your Scottish Terrier a balanced diet will help them recover from many forms of anemia. Your vet may recommend putting your pet on a prescription diet that is high in minerals, protein, and vitamins. Don't give Scotties iron supplements without your veterinarian's advice because they can be toxic.
Even though anemia can be dangerous, it is usually not that difficult to restore the red blood cells to healthful levels. Scotties that are plagued by fleas, for example, will often recover within three to four days once you get rid of the little pests. Since anemia can make pets very weak, however, it is a good idea to avoid flea dips, powders, or other strong medications.

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