Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

354 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
This is an acquired bleeding disorder triggered by shock and infection, certain
tumors (particularly hemangiosarcomas, osteosarcomas, and cancers of the
prostate and mammary glands), and severe injuries such as crush wounds and
burns. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is characterized by
intravascular clotting throughout the entire capillary circulation, followed by
spontaneous bleeding when all the clotting factors have been consumed. The
bleeding associated with DIC involves the nose, mouth, gastrointestinal tract,
and body cavities. Dogs with DIC are extremely ill and often die.
Another acquired bleeding disorder is caused by vitamin K deficiency. It is
discussed in Rodent Poisons (page 27).
Treating Clotting Disorders
Successful treatment of spontaneous bleeding requires rapid diagnosis. Dogs
with severe blood loss are given fresh, whole blood containing red cells,
platelets, and active coagulation factors. Dogs with less severe blood loss who
don’t require a blood transfusion are given fresh-frozen plasma or concentrates
containing the missing coagulation factor. Blood banks are available in
some areas to provide canine blood and clotting factors.
Treating vWD hypothyroid dogs with thyroid replacement therapy may
prevent subsequent bleeding episodes.
An important additional step in treating DIC is to control the underlying
cause of the intravascular coagulation. While it may seem contradictory, these
dogs may need heparin to limit the clotting taking place.
Dogs with inherited coagulation disorders, and those who may be carriers,
should not be bred.