Dogs need to be taken care of as there are a number of diseases and illnesses that they are prone to. One such condition is when myoglobin is present in excessive quantities in the blood. Hemoglobin is an essential component in a human’s body as well as in the body of animals as it plays a crucial role of carrying oxygen in the red blood cells and also to the tissues. Myoglobin also performs the same function but is restricted to the muscles where in it stores oxygen in the muscles. The presence of excess amounts of myoglobin can be life threatening as it is an indication that the capacity to carry oxygen is low and the muscles are being broken down which in turn reduces the amount of oxygen that the body can get through blood and the muscles. Such a condition can cause damage of the liver. Furthermore, the damage caused to the muscles can result in blood clotting which can prove fatal.
The cause for myoglobinuria varies and could be as a result of an acute inflammation of the muscle, a crush injury, an infection, a spasm that has been there for a lot of time or due to strenuous exercises. Certain toxins and food like copper, mercury, zinc, menadione and onions can also cause this illness. The primary symptom of myoglobinuria in dogs is blood in urine. Other symptoms include an increase in the heart rate, low energy, feeling lethargic or fever. In case of myoglobinuria in puppies, you need to be very observant and watch out for any of these symptoms.
This condition can be diagnosed with a thorough examination of your dogs’ background and health along with a couple of tests and the future course of action will be determined accordingly. Treatment for myoglobin will depend upon the cause for getting it in the first place. However, it is generally the result of an underlying medical condition. If it is as a result of overexertion then, there would be no need for any treatment as it will recover on its own. However, make sure that your dog drinks a lot of water in order to stay hydrated and to enable the kidneys to function properly. If at all, this condition is genetic, there is not much you can do about it apart from taking certain precautionary measures that will be advised by your doctor.