34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is associated with a postoperative mortality rate of up to 16.5%. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is diagnosed in up to 59% of dogs with GDV and is a risk factor for mortality. This study aimed to determine whether DIC development can be predicted based on preoperative blood parameters.

Methods:

The medical records of dogs that underwent GDV surgery were retrospectively evaluated, and preoperative blood analyses were collected. The number of dogs that developed clinically overt DIC and died of GDV-related complications, particularly DIC, was noted. Mann-Whitney U tests helped determine whether haematology and coagulation times could predict the development of DIC.

Results:

The study included 183 dogs, of which 36 (19.7%) developed DIC. Thirty dogs (16.4%) had died, including 22 with DIC (73.3%). Compared to those without DIC, dogs with DIC had significantly lower platelet counts (P=0.001) and longer coagulation times (prothrombin time: P=0.046; activated partial thromboplastin time: P=0.028). Both haematology and coagulation times were available in 25 dogs who developed DIC, of which 6 (24.0%) had normal platelet count and coagulation times preoperatively; nevertheless, 5/6 dogs had died within ten hours of surgery.

Conclusions:

Despite significant differences in preoperative blood parameters between dogs with and without DIC after GDV surgery, preoperative platelet count and coagulation times could not predict the development of DIC in one-fourth of the dogs. More sensitive coagulation tests, such as thromboelastography, might increase early diagnosis of DIC and improve outcomes.