Postpartum spontaneous hepatic bleeding in a dog

A case of postpartum spontaneous hepatic bleeding in a dog is described and compared to a similar condition that occurs in humans (HELLP syndrome). The bitch developed vague symptoms of weakness and anorexia 7 d postpartum. Clinical pathology test identified anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. An ultrasound examination revealed peritoneal effusion with fluid analysis, consistent with a hemoabdomen. Exploratory laparotomy identified hepatic bleeding from multiple liver lobes as well as a friable uterus. No other abnormalities were detected. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of postpartum spontaneous hepatic bleeding in a dog. Key clinical message: In this report, we describe and compare the findings in this case to a well-described condition (HELLP syndrome) in humans that also causes hepatic bleeding as a severe complication.