Changes

==Description==

==Description==

DIC, also known as '''consumptive coagulopathy''', is a condition where the coaguation and fibrinolytic cascades are out of control as a result of systemic thrombosis.  There is widespread clotting throughout the body with fibrinolysis and then a paradoxical haemorrhage. It is often recognised in dogs but rarely in cats.

DIC, also known as consumptive coagulopathy, is a condition where the coaguation and fibrinolytic cascades are out of control as a result of systemic [[Thrombosis|thrombosis]].  There is widespread clotting throughout the body with fibrinolysis and then a paradoxical [[Haemorrhage - Pathology|haemorrhage]]. It is often recognised in dogs but rarely in cats.

DIC always occurs secondary to another disease.

DIC always occurs secondary to another disease.

There are multiple aetiologies for DIC, however, once the cascade is under way the disease process is essentially the same.  Causes include:

There are multiple aetiologies for DIC, however, once the cascade is under way the disease process is essentially the same.  Causes include:

*Transfusion reaction.

*Transfusion reaction.

*Neoplasia.

*Neoplasia.

*Viral haemorrhagic fevers.

*Viral, bacterial, protozoal.

*Certain snake venoms.

*Certain snake venoms.

As thrombi form in the vasculature tissues will become hypoxic leading to multisystemic organ failure in severe cases.   

As thrombi form in the vasculature tissues will become hypoxic leading to multisystemic organ failure in severe cases.   

As platelets are used up in the thrombi a thrombocytopaenia occurs, leading to a paradoxical haemorrhage and the patient starts to bleed.  This is the mechanism by which most viral haemorrahgic diseases cause their clinical signs.

As [[Thrombocytes|platelets]] are used up in the thrombi a [[Platelet Abnormalities#Thrombocytopaenia]] thrombocytopaenia occurs, leading to a paradoxical haemorrhage and the patient starts to bleed.  This is the mechanism by which most viral haemorrahgic diseases cause their clinical signs.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==