Blue colour of membranes

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The moist membranes within the mouth and around the eyes are normally pink in colour. This shows there is sufficient oxygen in these tissues.

If the level of oxygen drops, the colour of these membranes turns to blue – this is called cyanosis. This results from a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues and can result from insufficient air reaching the lung (obstruction of the airways), reduced lung capacity (lung disease) or poor circulation (heart disease). This is a sign of severe disease and is an EMERGENCY.

What your veterinarian will want to know

How long have you noticed the blue colour?
Has it occurred before?
Did it seem to be triggered by an event – eg exercise?
Is there any indication of possible trauma – eg a road traffic accident?
Are there other symptoms?

What your veterinarian may do

This sign indicates your dog is in a critical condition and any diagnostic procedure maybe stressful. Your veterinarian may therefore wish to stabilise your dog first using drugs and possibly an enriched oxygen environment.