Clotting Disorder

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Clotting Disorder of the platelets of the blood stream is called thrombocytopathy & can be hereditary or acquired. Normally, platelets are stimulated (due to bleeding/tissue damage) to gather together & “stick” together to block blood loss. Dogs with a clotting disorder are unable to stop bleeding in the normal way & can bleed from mucous membranes (mouth, gums, nose, anus & ears). Excess bleeding can also been seen when losing puppy teeth. Platelet levels (number or count) can be normal, but sometimes platelets can be low & these dogs need special care as bleeding can be even more severe due to the inadequate amount of platelets. Continued or excess blood loss can lead to anemia.

Clotting deficiencies – clotting factors can also cause bleeding disorders. Hereditary clotting disorders & clotting deficiencies include Von Willebrand’s Disease, to which certain breeds are predisposed (please see Glossary on von Willebrand’s Diease for more information).

Acquired clotting disorders can be caused by drugs such as certain pain killers (e.g. aspirin), NSAIDs & some antibiotics. Systemic diseases such as parasites, renal (kidney) disease, liver disease, inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis) & cancer. Eliminating the cause (if possible) is priority.

Special care needs to be given by keeping injections to the absolute minimum to prevent bleeding from the puncture site. Lengthy pressure on injection sites (e.g. after taking blood sample) is vital. Invasive procedures should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Platelet transfusions can be given, e.g. if the dog has von Willebrand’s disease, or if the bleeding is excessive. Whole blood or packed red cells can also be given in the presence of anemia.

Dogs with clotting disorders should be kept as quiet as possible during bleeding episodes and hard food which could irritate the mouth mucosa avoided, as it may cause further bleeding.

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