Belgian Tervuren (Detailed Introduction)

       A reasonable diet and balanced nutrients are fundamental to ensuring dogs' physical health. Although a temporary lack of nutrients will not produce significant effects on the body, a long-term deficiency of certain nutrients will undoubtedly cause some damage to dogs. Therefore, every nutrient is very important for dogs. Today, we will discuss the effects of vitamin K deficiency in dogs.

       Causes of vitamin K deficiency: Naturally, there are two types of vitamin K, namely K1 and K2. The so-called K3 is a synthetic naphthoquinone. Vitamin K1 is widely found in green leafy plants, while vitamin K2 can be freely synthesized by intestinal bacteria. Therefore, primary deficiency does not occur. However, in cases of obstructive jaundice, enterocutaneous fistula, or persistent diarrhea, the digestive tract lacks sufficient bile leading to reduced vitamin K absorption. Or long-term use of antimicrobial drugs (sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, etc.) destroys intestinal flora, preventing vitamin K synthesis, thus causing secondary vitamin K deficiency.

       Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency: affected dogs feel hypersensitive, have poor appetite, bleeding on skin and mucous membranes, watery blood, prolonged clotting time, pale mucous membranes, and rapid heartbeat.

       Treatment: Vitamin K1 15mg or vitamin K3 (menadione) 20mg can be injected intramuscularly 1-2 times daily. When there is heavy bleeding, fresh blood transfusion should be given immediately to supply prothrombin.

       From this, it can be seen that deficiency of nutrients causes varying degrees of impact on dogs. Therefore, to avoid this situation, we must pay close attention to our dogs' diet and ensure adequate nutrient intake.