Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Disseminated intravascular coagulation in six horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1983
- Authors:
- Morris, D D & Beech, J
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, six horses were found to have a serious condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which is a problem with blood clotting that can happen as a result of other diseases. Four of these horses had infections, one had cancer, and one had a severe gut issue. The diagnosis of DIC was made based on specific blood test results showing low platelets, prolonged clotting times, and high levels of certain breakdown products in the blood. The horses showed signs like unusual bleeding and blood clots in their veins, but unfortunately, all of them either died or were put to sleep due to the severity of their underlying health issues.
Abstract
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was diagnosed as a secondary disease in 6 horses. Four horses had localized and/or systemic sepsis, one horse had disseminated neoplasia, and one had idiopathic ulcerative enteropathy. The diagnosis of DIC was based on the finding of at least 3 of 4 abnormalities: thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin time, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and a high concentration of fibrinolytic degradation products. The most common clinical signs other than those attributable to the primary disease process were abnormal hemorrhage (4 hours) and venous thrombosis (4 horses). All horses eventually died or were euthanatized because of the severity of the primary disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6643211/