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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

How clopidogrel and prednisone affect blood clotting in healthy dogs

By Thomason, John et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2020·The Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function in healthy dogs.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A study involving 24 healthy dogs looked at how the medications clopidogrel and prednisone affect blood platelets. The researchers found that when dogs were given both medications together, they had a much stronger effect on platelet function compared to clopidogrel alone. Specifically, dogs receiving both medications were more likely to have excessive platelet response, which could lead to complications. This suggests that using clopidogrel with prednisone may not be safe for dogs, as it can increase the risk of blood clotting issues.

People also search for: dog blood clotting medication · clopidogrel and prednisone for dogs · effects of prednisone on dog platelets

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids cause hypercoagulability, but it is unknown if they counteract clopidogrel's antiplatelet effects. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Determine the effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function. ANIMALS: Twenty-four healthy dogs. METHODS: Double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Platelet function was evaluated using a platelet function analyzer and impedance aggregometry (days 0, 14, and 28) for dogs treated with placebo, clopidogrel (2-3&#x2009;mg/kg/d), prednisone (2&#x2009;mg/kg/d), or prednisone with clopidogrel PO for 28&#x2009;days. Results were categorized as nonresponder versus responder (platelet function analyzer), and inadequate, ideal, or excessive response (aggregometry). Results were compared using mixed model, split-plot repeated measures analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation proportional odds models. P <&#x2009;.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Closure times differed by treatment (F [3, 20] = 10.5; P&#x2009;< .001), time (F [2, 40] = 14.3; P <&#x2009;.001), and treatment-by-time (F [6, 40] = 3.4; P&#x2009;= .01). Area under the curve (AUC) differed by treatment (F [3, 20] = 19.6; P&#x2009;< .001), time (F [2, 40] = 35.4; P <&#x2009;.001), and treatment-by-time (F [6, 40] = 13.5; P&#x2009;< .001). Based on closure times, 5/6 dogs each in the clopidogrel and prednisone/clopidogrel groups were responders. All dogs in the prednisone/clopidogrel group were overcontrolled based on AUC (days 14 and 28), whereas 5/6 (day 14) and 2/6 (day 28) dogs treated with clopidogrel were overcontrolled. Compared to clopidogrel, dogs receiving prednisone/clopidogrel were 11 times (P =&#x2009;.03) more likely to have an excessive response. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Administration of clopidogrel/prednisone increases platelet dysfunction in healthy dogs.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32246893/