Thromboembolism – Second Chance AIHA Dogs

« Back to Glossary Index

A thrombosis is a blood clot inside a blood vessel that obstructs the flow of blood through the circulatory system. When a blood vessel is injured platelets (thrombocytes) and fibrin form a blood clot to prevent blood loss. A thrombus can form even if a blood vessel is not injured under certain conditions. When smaller clots break free and travel to block smaller vessels it is called an embolus. Together the thrombosis and the embolus create a thromboembolism.This can begin a systemic inflammatory response in an attempt to dissolve the clots and is a major risk of AIHA-IMHA . Low dose aspirin therapy or heparin can be used as a preventative.

Alternative Meanings:

Thromboembolism
Dogs with AIHA / IMHA may form blood clots (thrombus) in the lungs, liver or spleen leading to a thromboembolism. This is caused by the release of blood factors that are used for coagulation. Low doses of heparin or aspirin are often administered to prevent this. When low dose individualized (rather than a constant dose) treatment with heparin is used there may be increased survival. Symptoms can include: fatigue, cough, lack of appetite, sudden difficulty breathing, inability to sleep or get comfortable, increased breathing rate, spitting up blood, exercise intolerance, pale or bluish-colored gums. Please call your vet if your dog experiences these symptoms.

« Back to Glossary Index

Related Terms: