Disseminated intravascular coagulation: antithrombin, plasminogen, and coagulation abnormalities in 41 dogs

An analysis was made of 41 cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation in dogs, with the objective of evaluating routine and nonroutine laboratory tests used in making the diagnosis. The dogs were grouped on the basis of underlying disease, which included neoplasia (39%), pancreatitis (30%), chronic active hepatitis (15%), heat stroke (12%), and sepsis (4%). Of the diagnostic tests evaluated, those for determination of activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin III activity, prothrombin time, and the platelet count were the most valuable. Of the clotting factors, factor V activity was decreased more frequently than the activity of factor VIII:C (factor VIII: procoagulant). The factor VIII:C activity was in conflict with prevailing dogma that reflects depression of this factor in disseminated intravascular coagulation. Factor VIII:C activity was decreased in only 29% of dogs studied. Activation of the fibrinolytic system was manifested by decreased plasminogen activity in 49% of the dogs studied. Sixty-one percent of the dogs had increased amounts of fibrin (ogen) degradation products.