Characterisation of changes in the haemostasis system in dogs with thrombosis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess (2008 to 2009) all phases of coagulation including thromboelastography in dogs with thrombosis to determine if thrombosis is associated with hypercoagulable states. METHODS: Coagulation reaction in dogs with thrombosis (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;7) diagnosed by diagnostic imaging or histopathology was compared with 56 control dogs. Dogs pretreated with antiplatelet and anticoagulation drugs were excluded. Thromboelastographic G-values >10&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;3 Kdyn/cm(2) were used to define a hypercoagulable state. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, there was a significantly higher mean platelet component indicating lower platelet activation status (17&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;99 &#xb1;1&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;36 versus 20&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;48 &#xb1;2&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;04&#x2009;g/dL, P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0004), increased thromboelastographic G-value (6&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;4 &#xb1;1&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;6 versus 13&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;1 &#xb1;6&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;2 Kdyn/cm(2) , P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0029), activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D-dimers (all: P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0001) as well as decreased antithrombin (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0049), factor VIII (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0001), protein C (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0001), protein S (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0373) and activated protein C-ratio (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0&#x2009;&#xb7;&#x2009;0013). On the basis of thromboelastographic G-value, three of six thromboelastographic tracings were classified as normocoagulable and three as hypercoagulable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with thrombosis, both normo- and hypercoagulable states are present and activated protein C resistance is common.