Demonstration of hyperfibrinolysis on the VCM Vet in a dog with Angiostrongylus vasorum

Abstract

This case report details the clinical investigation of an 11‐month‐old, entire, male Cockapoo, who presented with acute left forebrain signs associated with suspected intra‐cranial haemorrhage due to Angiostrongylus vasorum. Initial investigations failed to identify a coagulopathy using traditional coagulation testing. Subsequent viscoelastic testing using the Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet, Entegrion) identified a hypocoagulable, hyperfibrinolytic trace. Anti‐fibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid showed improvement of hypocoagulability and normalisation of hyperfibrinolysis. Subsequent canine fresh frozen plasma transfusion and treatment of the underlying A. vasorum led to resolution of the patient's coagulopathy. This case report demonstrates the ease of use and utility of viscoelastic monitoring in global assessment of coagulation, and is the first case to document hyperfibrinolysis using the VCM Vet in a patient with Angiostrongylus vasorum.