Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with severe anemia and swelling after multiple knee surgeries
By Levenson, Michael et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2019·From Friendship Hospital for Animals, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected Compartment Syndrome, Consumptive Thrombocytopenia, and Anemia Secondary to a Ruptured Arterial Aneurysm or Pseudoaneurysm Following Multiple Stifle Surgeries.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old male neutered beagle was brought to the intensive care unit with severe anemia (low red blood cell count), low platelets, and bruising just one day after knee surgery. Despite treatment for these issues, the dog developed swelling in the leg and neurological problems, raising concerns for a serious condition called compartment syndrome. An ultrasound revealed a large aneurysm in the thigh, leading to the decision to amputate the affected leg. Fortunately, the dog recovered well after the surgery. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for vascular issues after complex orthopedic surgeries.
People also search for: beagle anemia after surgery · dog leg swelling after knee surgery · compartment syndrome in dogs treatment
Abstract
A 12 yr old male neutered beagle was presented on transfer to the intensive care unit with severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bruising detected 1 day after undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery. The patient had undergone extra-capsular stifle stabilization surgery 14 wk prior to treat ligament disease in the same knee. Laboratory testing and treatment for anemia, presumptive immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and possible hemostatic disorder was initiated. A persistent anemia, progressive thrombocytopenia, and the development of a firm swelling and neurologic impairment in the limb raised concerns for compartment syndrome (CS). A musculoskeletal ultrasound revealed a large aneurysm in the caudal thigh surrounded by abnormal muscle tissue. The patient underwent amputation of the limb and recovered without further complication. Pathology findings were consistent with the development of femoral CS secondary to a ruptured peripheral arterial aneurysm or a pseudoaneurysm. A consumptive thrombocytopenia and regenerative anemia were attributed to periodic or progressive thrombosis of the vessel and regional hemorrhage. Postoperative CS can develop in combination with peripheral arterial aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, and screening for vascular abnormalities as well as CS should be considered in complicated recovery from orthopedic surgery with compatible clinical signs including progressive soft tissue swelling, persistent anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30653363/