Patient Profile: "Sippsy", a 2-year old, spayed female mix breed.

History: "Sippsy" presented to the emergency service on June 12.   Her owner said she had been lethargic and anorexic for a few days and was now dyspneic.  The owner said she had put out some rat poison a week ago and the box was now missing.

Physical Examination:  Heart rate = 170/minute.  Pulse rate = 170/minute.  Respiratory rate = 90 breaths/minute.  Body weight =5.4 kg. "Sippsy's" gait and hydration status were normal.  However, she was very depressed.  She was experiencing some respiratory distress.  Lung sounds were decreased ventrally.  Abdominal palpation and neurological examination seemed fine. 

Laboratory Findings:   Leukocytosis (25,300 cells); neutrophilia (22,300).  Regenerative anemia (RBC's = 3,320,000/uL; reticulocytes = 162,680/uL).   PCV = 24%.  Platelets are normal at 233,000/uL.  Glucose = 168 mg/dl.   Calcium = 8.6 mg/dl.  Total Protein = 4.7 Gm/dl.  Cholesterol = 122 mg/dl.  Sodium = 132 meq/L.  Potassium = 3.6 meq/L.  Chloride = 97 meq/L.

Questions:   

• Why is warfarin toxic or how does it work?
• What emergency treatments should be started for "Sippsy"?
• What do you think should be done about the dyspnea and decreased lung sounds?
• What laboratory tests can be used to monitor platelet function and progress of your treatment of the coagulopathy?
• What important medication would you send home with the patient upon dismissal?

Answers and Discussion:

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Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, DVM and Brenda McClelland, DVM, Colorado State University, 2000. All rights reserved.
This page was last edited:  08/24/00