You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Cyanosis is a clinical emergency

Cyanosis - or blue discolouration of the visible mucous membranes (eg lips) or skin is a serious clinical sign which requires emergency treatment. It can be generalised or localised. It occurs when blood is less than 80% saturated with oxygen.

Causes include :

• Respiratory disorders
  • Airway obstruction
  • Low respiratory rate
  • Reduced tidal volume
  • Reduced alveolar permeability
  • Inadequate oxygenation of inhaled air
• Cardiovascular disease
  • Severely depressed cardiac output - congestive heart failure
  • Shock
  • Thrombosis
• Haematological disease
  • Haemoglobin abnormalities
    •  methaemoglobin formation - poisoning with cyanide, chlorate, nitrate or acetanilid

Treatment involves the emergency administration of oxygen whilst a diagnostic workup is performed to identify and treat the primary cause.

Last updated : October 2013