Approach to the Bleeding Dog

61 Approach to the Bleeding Dog



Astrid Nielssen



1. How should the bleeding animal initially be assessed?

It is essential that all hemorrhaging dogs be carefully examined at presentation to ensure that they are clinically stable. Intravenous crystalloids, colloids, or blood products, as well as other supportive care measures, may be needed to stabilize animals demonstrating signs of cardiovascular shock. Dogs with hemorrhage that can be decreased through therapeutic measures, such as the application of focal pressure or tourniquets, should have such measures applied. If possible, efforts should be made to try and collect any necessary laboratory samples before the initiation of supportive or other therapies that might alter their results (e.g., collect any samples for coagulation testing before the administration of blood products). Care must be taken to avoid iatrogenic injuries to the dog (intramuscular injections, cystocentesis, using the jugular vein for blood draws). After the animal is clinically stable, it is then essential, based on clinical history and examination findings, to attempt to determine whether the hemorrhage is the expected consequence of a traumatic injury, or whether or not further investigation into a possible underlying hemostatic disorder is indicated.


2. How can a dog’s history be of value in determining the cause of a coagulopathy?

A thorough history is absolutely essential in assessing the dog suspected of having a coagulopathy. Puppies with a prior history of bleeding episodes, a family history of bleeding, and puppies of certain breeds may be likely to have an inherited coagulopathy. Farm dogs may have been exposed to an anticoagulant rodenticide. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication administered by an owner may cause sufficient platelet dysfunction to result in a bleeding problem.

< div class='tao-gold-member'>

Related posts:

  1. Management of Heart Failure
  2. Pericardial Disease
  3. Hypocalcemia
  4. Canine Rhinitis

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Jul 31, 2016 | Posted by in INTERNAL MEDICINE | Comments Off on Approach to the Bleeding Dog

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access