As you may be aware, dogs with Cushing’s disease face an increased risk of several complications. One complication that isn’t talked about much is the risk of blood clots. Cushing's dogs often have high blood pressure and elevated levels of procoagulant factors and platelets in their bloodstream, all of which can contribute to the formation of clots and don't always improve after beginning medical treatment for Cushing’s. Platelets are small blood cells that play a key role in controlling bleeding. Having too many platelets, however, can cause blood to become “sticky,” which prevents it from flowing smoothly and can lead to dangerous clots.
Symptoms
When clots form in blood vessels, they can cut off blood supply to vital tissue and organs, such as the brain, lungs, or heart. The symptoms of a blood clot can vary, depending on where the clot is located. If your dog develops any of the symptoms described below, seek veterinary care immediately. This is a life-threatening condition that dogs can succumb to rapidly.
Symptoms of blood clots in the legs
A limb that feels cold to the touch
Blue-tinged paw pads
Inability to use the affected limb
Sudden pain in the affected limb
Symptom of blood clots in the heart
Suddenly passing out
Paralysis
Blue-tinged paw pads
Difficulty breathing
Leg pain
Hind limb weakness
Vomiting
Symptoms of blood clots in the brain
Seizures
Loss of coordination
Head pressing and/or head tilting
Walking as though drunk
Loss of facial reflexes
Symptoms of blood clots in the lungs
Difficulty breathing
Inability to sleep or get comfortable
Pale or blue-tinged gums or skin
Coughing
Sudden collapse
Increased respiratory rate
Coughing up blood or bloody mucus
Symptoms of blood clots in the gastrointestinal tract
Vomiting or diarrhea
Severe abdominal pain
Blood in urine
How to reduce blood clot risk in dogs with Cushing’s disease
(1) Keep up to date on veterinary visits and make sure that your dog’s blood pressure and bloodwork values are regularly checked.
(2) Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of water and stays hydrated, as water keeps blood flowing and makes it less likely to clot.
(3) Consider adding an omega-3 supplement to your dog's diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to make the blood less sticky and lower blood pressure. Note: talk to your vet before giving your dog any supplement. Omega-3's may not be safe for certain dogs, such as those on blood-pressure lowering medications.
(4) Consider adding a small amount of fresh ginger or ginger powder to your dog's diet. Some studies show that ginger helps hinder blood clotting. Note: talk to your vet before giving ginger to your dog. It may not be safe for dogs that are diabetic or on blood-pressure lowering medications. Ginger can also increase the risk of bleeding. You should stop giving ginger to your dog at least 2 weeks before any surgery.
See also:
Cushing’s Disease Complicated with Thrombosis in a Dog (J. Vet. Med. Sci. 70(5): 487–491, 2008).
Biochemical Basis for the Hypercoagulable State Seen in Cushing Syndrome; discussion 1006-7 (Arch Surg. 2001 Sep;136(9):1003-6).