Hemostatic Dysfunction in a Dog with Mammary Gland Carcinoma

Abstract

Hypercoagulability is the most common coagulopathy seen in dogs with neoplasia, whereas a hypocoagulable state is relatively rare. A 16-year-old spayed female miniature Schnauzer presented with bilateral epistaxis, bilateral hindlimb swelling, and lameness. Previously, the dog was diagnosed with intermediate grade solid carcinoma after mastectomy, and then showed generalized ecchymoses on the abdomen and bilateral hindlimbs on presentation. Laboratory tests revealed a hypocoagulable state, including thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and delayed prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time. Thromboelastography demonstrated a prolonged K time with a decreased alpha angle and low maximal amplitude, reflecting a decrease in clot strength. The hypocoagulable state of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was speculated based on the presence of an underlying tumor, clinical symptoms, and laboratory results of the hypocoagulable state. This case shows the incidence of hemostatic dysfunction as a paraneoplastic syndrome in a dog with mammary gland carcinoma.