Signs & Symptoms of Blood Clots in Dogs

Blood clots are dangerous events that can lead to health complication or even death in dogs. Blood clotting begins with the blood platelets. These tiny cells coagulate to avoid excessive bleeding after tissue damage. Some dogs are more prone to clots due to high amounts of platelets in the blood. When clots occur, the particles can lodge into arteries or veins around the heart, lungs or the brain. These emboli obstruct blood flow and harm the body's ability to deliver oxygen to cells.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a blood clot in a dog is dependent on the location of the clot. If the clot occurs in the heart or in the lungs, the dog may have difficulty breathing. The pet owner may also find the dog is fatigued and has little energy. If the dog experiences a blood clot in the aorta, which is the main artery that pumps blood from the heart to the body, the pet may have paralysis or numbness in limbs. Clots in extremities cause poor blood circulation to toes of the dog and present symptoms of bluish nails and skin.

Causes

Clots can be caused by a number of variables. Injury or surgery can result in clotting in the arteries. If the dog has low levels of antithrombin, clotting may happen more frequently. Antithrombin is responsible for keep blood from coagulating in the veins and arteries. Other diseases can also cause clotting. Protein-losing nephropathy is a disease in which anti-clotting proteins are lost in the intestines. Abnormal inflammation in organs such as the pancreas increases risk of clotting. Heart worm infections also cause clotting.

Diagnosis

If the veterinarian suspects a problem with clotting factors in the dog, a thromboplastin is ordered to measure how quickly blood clots. The vet may order chest X-rays and ultrasound to view the lungs and heart. This can also show if any kind of clot is forming in these areas. If the vet suspects a blockage in the heart, an EKG may be given to examine the heart's function.

Treatment

The veterinarian may hospitalize the pet until the condition improves. If the clot is in the lungs or heart and causes breathing problems, an oxygen cage may be prescribed to help the pet breathe. The dog's activities are limited and bed rest is given. Anticoagulant medications are also prescribed. The veterinarian will determine how long the pet needs to take the medication.

After-care

Once a dog has a blood clot, the dog's health needs to be monitored. The veterinarian will ask the pet owner to keep frequent checkups to make sure the pet does not develop another clot. If the dog has increased clotting factors in the blood, the pet may need permanent medication. The veterinarian will take several tests to determine if permanent medication is needed.

References

• PetMD