Haemostasis diagnostics in dogs: 3. interpretation of results, differential diagnosis

Based on different result combinations of a basic program of haemostasis di agnostics including platelet count, capillary bleeding time, prothrombin ti me, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time the diff erential diagnosis of haemorrhagic diathesis in dogs is discussed. For exam ple a severe prolongation of prothrombin time and APTT with physiological p latelet count and thrombin time indicates synthesis disorder of prothrombin complex. Moreover indications of supplementary tests are explained. The ad ditional measurement of the activity or concentration of individual compone nts of blood coagulation is particularly indicated for diagnosis of heredit ary disorders of haemostasis (haemophilia A and B, Willebrand disease). Sec ondary alterations of the haemostatic system induced by severe bleeding epi sodes may complicate identification of the primarily existent disorder.