My puppy has a hard, purple belly. Is it internal bleeding or GDV?

If all the puppies are affected and some are dying, it would be best to seek veterinary care in person immediately. It is possible they have all contracted something, have an illness or injury, or some other issue going on which needs to be seen and treated by a vet ASAP, especially if they are in visible pain, not thriving, turning blue or purple or are passing away.

If your dog has recently been in an accident or possibly ingested a toxic substance, blue or purple discoloration can be caused by bruising or internal hemorrhaging. Otherwise, this could be a condition called cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is seldom a disorder in its own right, but rather a result of another medical condition. This can include conditions such as bacterial infections, [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/), [Cushing's disease](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/cushing-s-disease/) and [obesity](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/obesity/). Inflammation is typically responsible for the emergence of hyperpigmentation, unless your dog is a Dachshund. Hyperpigmentation is a primary disorder for Dachshunds. Signs of [hyperpigmentation](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pigment-changes-of-the-skin-and-coat) include a dark purple, blue, or sometimes black or pale brown color to the abdomen, limbs, and groin. Texture changes may also occur to the skin, in which case you will notice the skin becoming more dense and course. Regardless of the cause, I recommend that you have your dog examined by your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the color change in your dog's skin.

The picture shows skin that has a pink tint to it on my screen. But a purplish color could indicate issues with anemia or the red blood cells. I would recommend that the breeder have the puppy examined by a vet to see if it is significant. A CBC and examination of a blood smear will help determine if there are any red blood cell abnormalities.

It is rare for a small breed dog to have a GDV and after they passes it would not turn soft from a GDV. Internal hemorrhage is a possibility if there was bruising or any type of trauma. Yellow liquid passing after death can be from the stomach if it was just distended from an obstruction or gas.

Yes, I would be worried that that is a bruise. I recommend to take her quickly into your veterinarians office to check for any internal bleeding. Hopefully it is nothing that serious but with these very small puppies, they are fragile. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Without seeing the lesion, it is hard to determine the cause. Monitor the area for any abnormalities and have your vet examine him if you notice anything abnormal. If it was attached to the skin, maybe it was just an engorged tick.

It appears packer is having some bruising of his umbilical area. I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian for a good physical exam. Some dogs have small umbilical hernias that occur at birth. Fat or even intestines can get stuck in the hernia and cause problems. Also he could be having a local skin reaction but it is really hard to tell by a picture. Hope that helps and he feels better soon.