Not clotting well...

My dog, Smokey, had knee surgery on Tuesday and the surgeon says he is not clotting well... That is, he continues to bleed easily from the incision when the bandage is removed, but he does stop bleeding eventually. He's just not clotting normally. They sent blood work to the lab today to find out more but I am wondering if anyone has had a similar situation w/ their pet? This bleeding was not an issue when he was neutered, had other stiches or when he has nicked himself otherwise. It's possible it's due to the pain meds he has been on recently but they are not 100% sure right now. Has anyone had any experiences like this? And the outcome?

Thanks in advance.
--Amanda--

I have never experienced anything like this, Amanda, but I do hope that your Smokey will be ok. He will be in our prayers.

Logan

Hi Amanda! There are several reasons why he may not be "clotting" post op. Certain meds can have a blood thinning effect, and Smokey may have a preexisting condition that might predispose him to a longer clotting time, which may be rooted in a host of causes. With humans, we test their clotting time pre op to prepare for potential problems but this is rarely done, I'm told, with animals. With humans, we treat with injectable Aquamephyton, Vitamin K, which helps to clot the blood. It sounds like your vet is dong the proper blood work, PT, PTT, to determine his ability to clot and will treat the condition with medication. That is assuming that he's excluded other reasons such as a "bleeder," or vein that needs to be tied off, or suture line that has opened up. Has Smokey been on any aspirin lately for pain? I wondered as he had knee surgery and was probably in some discomfort pre op. Aspirin has definite blood thinning qualities. Oh, I do hope your sweet Smokey will be ok. It sounds like your vet has a handle on things:) Please check back when you hear more! Hugs to Smokey...get well soon:)

I hope Smokey starts to get better quickly. He will be in my prayers.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him.

Thanks for the input guys.

It turns out the clotting was from one of the drugs they had given him. So no major issue and now they know for the next surgery not to give him that med before they operate.

Other than looking miserable w/ the cone thingy and being confined to his kennel... He seems to be doing okay. There is one nasty bruise, though.


Anyway, thanks again for the input and concern.

--Amanda--

Awww, Smokey's a cone head:) So glad to hear the vet got to the cause of the bleeding! Sounds like Smokey's on his way to a full recovery and will be back in full form very soon:) I'm sure it's not fun having so much down time in your kennel Smokey, but hang in there!!!:) Hugs to Smokey!

I would have the dog tested for Von Willderbrand's Disease (VWD). It is a genetic disease that affects blood clotting, in certain breeds of dogs. It's not that serious, it just affects the blood. I would have him tested just to be sure, though. And yes, vitamin K supplements will help to clot the blood.
Good Luck with him, he's in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks, I will ask about that. I've been playing phone tag w/ the doctor all week and he's mentioned some test they want to give just to be safe... but I cannot understand what he is exactly saying on the voicemail. When I call again Monday I'll ask about the VWD test.


And just to update - Smokey is feeling much better. The bruise & swelling are all gone and he is putting more weight on it. And the real testament to his steady recovery - he tried to jump up on the bed before! Lil' weasel. For the most part though, he's doing good just hanging out on his dog bed. In fact, we haven't had to keep him in the kennel since he's been doing so well at laying down and staying when we tell him to. (knock on wood!)

So glad to hear that Smokey's doing so well!!! Way to go, Lil' Weasel!!!:D

I am so glad that smokey is feeling better.

Sheba has low blood platelets, and
for some reason a very low dose of thyroid med brings it up to an acceptable level.

Hugs to Smokey. ((((^..^)))