A coagulopathy is any defect in primary hemostasis (platelets and von Willebrand factor) or secondary hemostasis (the coagulation factors). In cats the common causes are acquired: anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis, liver disease and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Inherited disorders are rare, and the most frequently reported one, factor XII deficiency, does not cause bleeding at all.
Key facts
Coagulopathy at a glance- Species and system: cat; hemic and lymphatic.
- Most common causes: acquired. Rodenticide toxicosis, liver disease (including hepatic lipidosis) and DIC.
- Classic presentation: lethargy, pallor and dyspnea from thoracic bleeding, hematomas or melena in a cat with prolonged PT and aPTT.
- Surface bleeding (petechiae, mucosal bleeding) points to platelets; deep bleeding (hematomas, joints, body cavities, delayed rebleeding) points to coagulation factors.
- Pitfall: cat platelets clump, so automated counts can show false thrombocytopenia.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
13 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Congenital coagulopathies
- Acquired coagulopathies
- Prevention and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 3 self-test questions and 8 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.