Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High platelet counts and clotting risk after dog spleen removal
By Phipps, Whitney E et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2020·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Postoperative thrombocytosis and thromboelastographic evidence of hypercoagulability in dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic masses.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 34 dogs undergoing surgery to remove splenic masses were monitored for changes in their blood after the operation. Many of these dogs showed a significant increase in platelet counts, which can indicate a higher risk of blood clots, especially during the first two weeks after surgery. In fact, by day 7, 81% of the dogs had high platelet counts, and many showed signs of hypercoagulability, meaning their blood was more likely to clot than normal. This could lead to serious complications like blood clots in the lungs or other areas. It's important for pet owners to be aware of these risks and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian after their dog has had splenectomy surgery.
People also search for: dog splenectomy recovery · high platelet count in dogs · dog blood clot risk after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and severity of thrombocytosis and thromboelastographic evidence of hypercoagulability during the first 2 weeks after splenectomy in dogs with splenic masses and to investigate relationships between platelet counts and thromboelastography values. ANIMALS: 34 dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic masses. PROCEDURES: Blood samples for platelet counts and thromboelastography were obtained at induction of anesthesia (day 0) prior to splenectomy and on days 2, 7, and 14. RESULTS: Mean platelet counts were 167.9 × 10/μL, 260.4 × 10μ/L, 715.9 × 10/μL, and 582.2 × 10/μL on days 0, 2, 7, and 14, respectively, and were significantly higher at all postoperative assessment points than on day 0. Thrombocytosis was observed in 3% (1/34), 6% (2/33), 81% (21/26), and 69% (18/26) of dogs on days 0, 2, 7, and 14. Platelet counts > 1,000 × 10/μL were observed in 1 dog on day 2 and in 5 dogs on day 7. One or more thromboelastography values suggestive of hypercoagulability were observed in 45% (15/33), 84% (26/31), 89% (24/27), and 84% (21/25) of dogs on days 0, 2, 7, and 14. At each assessment point, higher platelet counts were correlated with thromboelastography values suggestive of hypercoagulability. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Marked thrombocytosis and thromboelastography values suggestive of hypercoagulability were common during the first 2 weeks after splenectomy for the dogs of this study. If present, hypercoagulability could increase the risk for development of postsplenectomy thrombotic conditions such as portal system thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31841092/