Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Antithrombotic treatments for dogs and cats in critical care
By Blais, Marie-Claude et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2019·Department of Clinical Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Consensus on the Rational Use of Antithrombotics in Veterinary Critical Care (CURATIVE): Domain 3-Defining antithrombotic protocols.
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the use of blood-thinning medications (antithrombotics) in dogs and cats at risk for blood clots. It found that while there isn't enough solid evidence to recommend specific dosages for most of these medications, clopidogrel is a good option for dogs and cats, especially for cats at risk of heart-related blood clots. However, aspirin should not be used alone for cats with heart disease. The researchers hope this information will lead to more studies to fill in the gaps in knowledge about these treatments.
People also search for: dog blood clot treatment · cat heart disease medication · clopidogrel for cats · aspirin use in cats with cardiomyopathy
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To systematically examine the evidence for use of a specific protocol (dose, frequency, route) of selected antithrombotic drugs, in comparisons to no therapy or to other antithrombotic therapies, to reduce the risk of complications or improve outcomes in dogs and cats at risk for thrombosis. DESIGN: Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence (LOE) and quality (Good, Fair, or Poor), and development of consensus on conclusions via a Delphi-style survey for application of the concepts to clinical practice. SETTINGS: Academic and referral veterinary medical centers. RESULTS: Databases searched included Medline via PubMed and CAB abstracts. Eight different antithrombotic drugs were investigated using a standardized Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) question format both for dogs and cats, including aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, unfractionated heparin (UFH), dalteparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux, and rivaroxaban, generating a total of 16 worksheets. Most studies identified were experimental controlled laboratory studies in companion animals (LOE 3) with only four randomized controlled clinical trials in companion animals (LOE 1). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, evidence-based recommendations concerning specific protocols could not be formulated for most antithrombotic drugs evaluated, either because of the wide range of dosage reported (eg, aspirin in dogs) or the lack of evidence in the current literature. However, clopidogrel administration in dogs and cats at risk of arterial thrombosis, notably in cats at risk of cardiogenic thromboembolism, is supported by the literature, and specific protocols were recommended. Comparably, aspirin should not be used as a sole antithrombotic in cats with cardiomyopathy. Using the available safety profile information contained in the literature, the panel reached consensus on suggested dosage schemes for most antithrombotics. Significant knowledge gaps were highlighted, which will hopefully drive novel research.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30654416/