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Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are substances that inhibit or prevent blood clotting. They can act both as medication and as poisons. In this article you will learn more about the effects, use and risks of anticoagulants in dogs.

What are anticoagulants and how do they work?

Anticoagulants are a group of active substances that influence various blood clotting mechanisms. For example, they can prevent the formation of fibrin, which is necessary for the stabilization of blood clots. Or they can inhibit the activity of vitamin K, which is required for the production of clotting factors.

Anticoagulants are sometimes used as drugs to prevent or treat thrombosis or embolism. These are conditions in which blood clots form in the blood vessels and obstruct or block the flow of blood. Anticoagulants can also act as poisons if they are ingested intentionally or accidentally. For example, some rat poisons contain anticoagulants to cause the rodents to bleed to death.

When are anticoagulants used in dogs?

The use of anticoagulants in dogs is rare and should always be carried out under veterinary supervision. Possible indications are

  • Heart disease with an increased risk of thrombosis
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Immunologically mediated hemolytic anemia
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation
  • Dosage and duration of treatment depend on the individual case and must be determined by the veterinarian.

What are the benefits of anticoagulants in dogs?

The main benefit of anticoagulants in dogs is to prevent or dissolve life-threatening blood clots in the blood vessels. This can improve blood flow and reduce organ damage.

What are the disadvantages of anticoagulants in dogs?

The main disadvantage of anticoagulants in dogs is the increased risk of spontaneous or difficult to stop bleeding. This can lead to anemia, shock or death.

Symptoms of anticoagulant overdose or poisoning include

  • Blood in the urine, stool or vomit
  • nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Hematomas (bruises)
  • weakness
  • shortness of breath

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should consult a vet immediately.

How are anticoagulant poisonings treated?

If your dog is suffering from spontaneous bleeding caused by anticoagulants, the treatment is to give them fresh whole blood or frozen plasma. These contain clotting factors and can compensate for blood loss.

Vitamin K, which is necessary for normal blood clotting, is used specifically as an antidote. It is administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) injections, which are repeated as required. Treatment can last for several weeks.

How can you protect your dog from poisoning with anticoagulants?

To protect your dog from anticoagulant poisoning, you should take the following precautions:

  • Keep all medications and poisons out of your dog's reach.
  • Check your property regularly for poison baits and poison traps.
  • Do not let your dog run around outside unsupervised.
  • Inform yourself about symptoms and first aid in the event of poisoning.

Anticoagulants are substances that inhibit or prevent blood clotting. They can act both as medication and as a poison. The use of anticoagulants in dogs is rare and must always be prescribed and monitored by a vet. The advantage of anticoagulants is that they prevent or dissolve blood clots in the blood vessels. The disadvantage is an increased risk of bleeding. Poisoning with anticoagulants must be treated quickly to avoid life-threatening complications. To protect your dog from poisoning with anticoagulants, you should take a few precautions.

Learn even more about Anticoagulants

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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