Disseminated intravascular coagulation in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome

Abstract

Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome is associated with changes in haemostatic profiles. The aims of this study were to compare selected haemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters between healthy dogs and dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, estimate the incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and determine the most sensitive test for detection of DIC in these patients. Blood was collected from 22 dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, and nine healthy control dogs. Platelet counts, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentrations and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products were measured in all control dogs and patients with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, before and after surgery. Significant differences between control dogs and patients were seen in activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products before surgery and all measured parameters after surgery. The incidence of DIC was 59%. The most sensitive tests for detection of DIC before surgery were those for activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products.