Disseminated intravascular coagulation complicating aflatoxicosis in dogs

An outbreak of chronic liver disease was investigated in a kennel of dogs. Anorexia, depression, polyuria, polydipsia, icterus and a terminal hemorrhagic diathesis were noted in clinically affected dogs. Thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, elevated fibrinogen degradation products and prolonged activated partial thrombosplastin times (PTT) and one-stage prothrombin times (PT) were associated with the hemorrhagic crisis. Aflatoxicosis was confirmed by the presence of significant levels of aflatoxicosis was confirmed by the presence of significant levels of aflatoxin B in the commercial dog food being fed. A subacute hepatitis was found on necropsy. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was suspected as the cause of the hemorrhage in these cases and treatment was instituted.