Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heparin treatment effects in dogs with immune-mediated anemia
By Breuhl, Elizabeth L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A prospective study of unfractionated heparin therapy in dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Eighteen dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (a condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells) were treated with unfractionated heparin, a medication that helps prevent blood clots. The treatment was monitored closely, and while not all dogs reached the desired level of anti-Xa activity (a measure of how well the heparin is working), none showed signs of bleeding. Most of the dogs survived their hospital stay, and many were still alive a year later. However, some dogs that did not survive had blood clots found during necropsy.
People also search for: dog immune-mediated hemolytic anemia treatment · dog blood clot prevention · heparin for dogs with anemia
Abstract
Unfractionated heparin therapy was initiated at a standard dosage of 300 IU/kg subcutaneously q 6 hours to 18 dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Heparin's prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time and change in factor Xa inhibition (anti-Xa activity) were serially monitored during the first 40 hours of therapy. During the initial 40 hours, only eight of 18 dogs had attained anti-Xa activities of > or =0.35 U/mL. No dogs had clinical signs of hemorrhage. Fifteen dogs survived to discharge; 11 dogs were alive at 1 year, and thrombosis was identified in three of six nonsurvivors that were necropsied.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19411648/