Blood clotting disorders

What are the causes of blood clotting disorders in dogs?

There are various causes that can lead to blood clotting disorders in dogs. Some are congenital, i.e. the dog has them from birth. Others are acquired, i.e. they develop in the course of life due to various factors.

Congenital blood clotting disorders

Congenital blood clotting disorders are usually caused by a deficiency or defect in certain components of the blood that are important for clotting. These include the blood platelets (thrombocytes) and the coagulation factors (proteins). The platelets adhere to the wound and form a clot that stops the bleeding. The coagulation factors activate each other in a cascade and form fibrin, a network of protein threads that stabilizes the clot.

If too few platelets are formed or are broken down too quickly, thrombocytopenia can occur. This is a reduced number of platelets in the blood. If one or more coagulation factors are missing or do not function properly, haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease may occur. These are hereditary disorders of the coagulation factors.

Congenital blood clotting disorders often become apparent as early as puppyhood, for example when changing teeth or during vaccinations. Some dog breeds are affected more frequently than others, for example Dobermans, Scotch Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs.

Acquired blood clotting disorders

Acquired blood clotting disorders can be triggered by various factors that impair or damage the coagulation system. These include:

• Chronic liver disease: The liver is responsible for the formation of most clotting factors. If liver function is impaired, this can lead to a lack of clotting factors.
• Tumor diseases: Tumors in the spleen, kidney, bladder or intestine can lead to internal bleeding or disrupt the formation or breakdown of platelets.
• Poisoning: Ingestion of rat poison or certain medications can inhibit or destroy clotting factors.
• Immune-related diseases: The immune system can mistakenly attack and break down the body's own platelets or clotting factors.

Acquired blood clotting disorders can occur at any age and can be acute or chronic depending on their severity.

How do you recognize a blood clotting disorder in dogs?

A blood clotting disorder in dogs can manifest itself through various symptoms that indicate an increased tendency to bleed. These include

• Prolonged or heavy bleeding after injuries, operations or injections
• Nosebleeds without a recognizable cause
• Small red spots on the skin (petechiae) or larger bruises (hematomas)
• Blood in the feces (black or red) or in the urine (red or brown)
• Blood in vomit or saliva
• Pale mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, ears)
• Fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath, palpitations, shock

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should consult a vet immediately. A blood clotting disorder can be life-threatening and must be treated quickly.

How is a blood clotting disorder diagnosed in dogs?

In order to diagnose a blood clotting disorder in dogs, the vet must carry out a blood test. This involves measuring various parameters that provide information about the function of the coagulation system. These include

• The number of platelets (thrombocyte count)
• The activity of the coagulation factors (clotting time, partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time)
• The concentration of fibrinogen (a coagulation factor) and fibrin (the end product of coagulation)
• The presence of antibodies against platelets or clotting factors (immunoassays)

Depending on the results, the vet can determine the type and cause of the blood clotting disorder and initiate appropriate treatment.

How is a blood clotting disorder treated in dogs?

The treatment of a blood clotting disorder in dogs depends on the severity, type and cause of the disorder. The aim is to stop the bleeding, compensate for the blood loss and treat the underlying disease.

Possible treatment methods include

• The administration of hemostatic drugs that promote clotting or constrict the blood vessels
• The administration of vitamin K, which is important for the formation of some clotting factors
• The administration of blood transfusions that replace platelets or clotting factors
• The administration of immunosuppressants, which suppress the immune system and thus prevent the destruction of platelets or coagulation factors
• The surgical removal of tumors or other sources of internal bleeding
• The treatment of liver disease or poisoning with specific drugs or procedures

The prognosis for a dog with a blood clotting disorder depends on many factors, such as the extent of bleeding, the dog's general condition and response to therapy. Some dogs can live a normal life with a blood clotting disorder if they are monitored and treated regularly. Other dogs can die from serious complications such as organ failure or cerebral hemorrhage.

How can a blood clotting disorder in dogs be prevented?

A congenital blood clotting disorder in dogs cannot be prevented as it is genetic. However, responsible breeding can ensure that no dogs with a known hereditary disease are bred. You should also have your dog checked regularly for signs of a blood clotting disorder.

An acquired blood clotting disorder in dogs can be partially prevented by avoiding or minimizing certain risk factors. These include:

• Avoiding rat poison or other toxic substances in the dog's environment
• Avoiding medications that can interfere with clotting, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Avoiding injuries or trauma that can lead to heavy bleeding
• Regular monitoring and treatment of liver disease or tumors