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==Description==

==Description==

DIC, also known as '''consumptive coagulopathy''', is a condition where the coaguation and fibrinolytic cascades are out of control.  There is widespread clotting throughout the body with fibrinolysis and then a paradoxical haemorrhage.  

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.

 

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:

*Sepsis, particularly gram negative organisms.

*Sepsis, particularly gram negative organisms.

DIC has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate.

DIC has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate.

''Treatment'':

==Treatment==

It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of the DIC.  Other treatments are limited;

It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of the DIC. It is also important to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and support target organssusceptible to ischaemia and haemorrhage.  Other treatments are limited;

*Anticoagulants should be used with caution as the patient will be prone to haemorrhage.

Anticoagulants should be used with caution as the patient will be prone to haemorrhage and blood compenets must be replaced via transfusion with fresh frozen plasma to provide clotting factors and platelets.

*Transfusion with fresh frozen plasma to provide clotting factors and platelets.