Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with abdominal mass and low platelets caused by vena cava blood
By LeGrange, S N et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2000·Department of Veterinary Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Thrombosis of the caudal vena cava presenting as an unusual cause of an abdominal mass and thrombocytopenia in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in with a noticeable abdominal mass and low platelet count, which is a condition known as thrombocytopenia. After further investigation, the vet discovered that the mass was caused by a blood clot in a major vein (caudal vena cava) due to cancer. The vet performed surgery to remove the clot, but unfortunately, the dog passed away a few days later. The cause of the clot was linked to cancer cells found near the thrombus.
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Abstract
Thrombosis of the caudal vena cava in a dog secondary to metastatic neoplasia is described. The dog had a palpable abdominal mass and persistent thrombocytopenia due to a thrombosed caudal vena cava that was surgically removed. A few days after its removal, the dog died and neoplastic cells of neural crest origin were identified at the edge of the thrombus. Massive thrombosis can be an unusual cause of platelet consumption, leading to thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Deep vein thrombosis of the vena cava can occur in dogs and may mimic an abdominal mass. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in the development of venous thrombosis, including endothelial damage by neoplastic cells and the presence of a hypercoagulable state secondary to neoplasia. Extensive collateral circulation may allow removal of diseased vena cava.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10730625/