The coagulation system in horses with colic.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Colic in horses frequently alters the coagulation system, leading to disseminated intravascular clotting (DIC).
• This condition is exacerbated by hemoconcentration and increased coagulation activators, coupled with decreased activity of inhibitors like antithrombin III.
• Platelet aggregation contributes to microthromboses and capillary plugging, complicating the primary disease and hindering treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of colic on the equine coagulation system.
• To highlight the role of disseminated intravascular clotting in colic complications.
• To emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of monitoring coagulation parameters in horses with colic.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of changes in the coagulation system during equine colic.
• Assessment of blood concentration and coagulation factor activity.
• Measurement of platelet aggregation and inhibitor levels, particularly antithrombin III.

Main Results:

• Colic induces significant changes in coagulation, promoting disseminated intravascular clotting.
• Reduced antithrombin III activity and increased platelet aggregation are key factors.
• These hemostatic alterations complicate colic and can lead to therapeutic failure.

Conclusions:

• Monitoring coagulation system indexes is crucial for diagnosing and managing colic in horses.
• Parameters such as platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, fibrinogen degradation products, D-dimer, and antithrombin III are vital.
• Accurate assessment of these markers facilitates appropriate therapeutic interventions for equine colic.