Changes

Bleeding diatheses can occur as a result of a failure of primary haemostasis (vascular contraction and platelet aggregation) or of secondary haemostasis (the coagulation cascade). The clinical presentation can give some indication as to the nature of the disorder. Petechiation or ecchymoses of the skin or mucosal surfaces, epistaxis, haematuria, melena, intraocular haemorrhage, bleeding after venipuncture or incision, are usually associated with disorders of primary haemostasis for example thrombocytopenia. Haematoma, bleeding into a body cavity, haemarthrosis or delayed bleeding after surgery, are usually associated with an abnormality of secondary haemostasis for example coagulopathy. Consideration of the age of onset, breed, possible previous episodes, recent surgery or trauma, drug therapy, access to toxins and any similar familial history may all be relevant.

Bleeding diatheses can occur as a result of a failure of primary haemostasis (vascular contraction and platelet aggregation) or of secondary haemostasis (the coagulation cascade). The clinical presentation can give some indication as to the nature of the disorder. Petechiation or ecchymoses of the skin or mucosal surfaces, epistaxis, haematuria, melena, intraocular haemorrhage, bleeding after venipuncture or incision, are usually associated with disorders of primary haemostasis for example thrombocytopenia. Haematoma, bleeding into a body cavity, haemarthrosis or delayed bleeding after surgery, are usually associated with an abnormality of secondary haemostasis for example coagulopathy. Consideration of the age of onset, breed, possible previous episodes, recent surgery or trauma, drug therapy, access to toxins and any similar familial history may all be relevant.