Blood clotting test results in dogs with blood in the abdomen

Abstract

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a viscoelastic coagulation test that allows the evaluation of haemostasis from clot formation to clot dissolution. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the changes in haemostasis using ROTEM parameters in dogs presenting with spontaneous or traumatic haemoperitoneum and to evaluate any associations between clinical and laboratory parameters at presentation with the ROTEM. We hypothesized that the dogs would show signs of hypocoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis and that these changes would correlate with the degree of hypoperfusion. Clinical records were searched for a period of 5 years for dogs presenting with a haemoperitoneum und for whom a -ROTEM analysis at presentation was carried out. Forty dogs were identified, and various clinical and laboratory parameter (heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, lactate, serum albumin concentration, PCV (venous and abdominal), ionized calcium, pH and base excess) were retrieved. The following ROTEM parameters were analysed: extrinsic clotting time (ExTEM CT), clot formation time (ExTEM CFT), clot firmness (ExTEM MCF) and maximum lysis (ExTEM ML), as well as fibrinogen (FibTEM) CT and MCF. Compared to institutional reference intervals, dogs with haemoabdomen showed prolongation of ExTEM and FibTEM CT, ExTEM CFT and 50% were hypocoagulable and 62% thrombocytopenic. No hyperfibrinolysis could be detected. Multiple linear regression models showed an association between decreased base excess, trauma and ROTEM signs for hypocoagulability. Furthermore, age was associated with a stronger fibrin clot. In conclusion, 50% of the dogs presented hypocoagulable and changes in ROTEM parameters are similar to those seen with consumption coagulopathy. Base excess and trauma were associated with hypocoagulability, while increasing age was associated with a stronger fibrin clot.