Use of freeze-dried platelets for bleeding in dogs and outcomes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe the use of and complications associated with the administration of lyophilized platelets (LPs) in dogs with thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage and those with nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage. Secondary objectives were to report pretransfusion and posttransfusion values, including PCV, total plasma protein concentration, platelet count, blood product administration, and overall survival. DESIGN: Retrospective study between 2018 and 2022. SETTING: Two university veterinary teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Sixty-eight dogs that received LPs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-five dogs received LPs due to thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage, and 33 dogs received LPs due to nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage. The platelet count was lower in dogs with thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage, both before (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) and after LP administration (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), compared with dogs with nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage. Dogs with thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage had lower PCV values before LP administration (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.007), but no difference was noted at 6-12 or 12-24&#xa0;h after LP administration. There was no difference in the transfusion of other blood products (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.620) or in survival to discharge (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.000). Potential complications were noted in 6% of dogs. CONCLUSIONS: LP administration may be considered for a variety of conditions, including both thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage and nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage.