Thromboelastographic evidence of inhibition of fibrinolysis after ε-aminocaproic acid administration in a dog with suspected acute traumatic coagulopathy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the thromboelastographic changes in fibrinolysis with ε-aminocaproic acid treatment in a dog with suspected acute traumatic coagulopathy. CASE SUMMARY: A 9-year-old female spayed Airedale Terrier was presented with multiple injuries consistent with motor vehicle trauma. After surgical repair of a diaphragmatic hernia and minor laceration of the right cranial lung lobe, the dog continued to produce copious volumes of hemorrhagic fluid from the thoracic cavity despite multiple plasma transfusions, autotransfusions, and failure to locate a definitive source of bleeding during 2 separate surgeries. ε-Aminocaproic acid treatment was initiated and was associated with rapid clinical improvement and diminished fibrinolysis based on a modified plasma-based thromboelastogram. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report describes thromboelastographic evidence of inhibition of fibrinolysis after ε-aminocaproic acid administration in a dog with suspected acute traumatic coagulopathy. Thromboelastrography may be useful in monitoring therapy with antifibrinolytic drugs.