Comparison of tissue factor-activated versus citrated native thromboelastography in dogs with suspected hemostatic abnormalities.

Viscoelastic testing methods, including thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry, have an advantage over traditional tests of coagulation due to their ability to reflect in vivo hemostasis and predict need for transfusion of blood products more accurately. TEG in clinical settings is most often performed on citrated whole blood samples that are recalcified at the time of analysis, with or without the addition of an activator of coagulation. To date, superiority of the use of an activator in canine patients with abnormal hemostasis has not been demonstrated.

Abnormalities detected on digital rectal examinations in dogs are common and influence diagnostic and treatment plans.

Objective: To determine the frequency of abnormal findings on digital rectal examination (DRE) performed during physical examinations at a tertiary referral veterinary hospital, to establish what abnormal findings are most common and whether they impact diagnostic and treatment plans, and to assess whether patient signalment or admitting service influences the frequency of abnormalities.

Animals: Client-owned dogs (n = 440).

Methods: Veterinarians performed DREs on dogs as part of a physical examination.

Total serum and ionized magnesium concentrations in healthy and hospitalized dogs.

Objective: To determine if an association between ionized magnesium (iMg) and total magnesium (tMg) exists in healthy and hospitalized dogs admitted through an emergency service and to assess the associations between iMg and tMg with total protein, albumin, ionized calcium, and total calcium.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital.

Comparison of a viscoelastic point-of-care coagulation monitor with thromboelastography in sick dogs with hemostatic abnormalities.

Background: Viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM-Vet) is a point-of-care device that has been used to characterize hemostatic abnormalities in sick pets but has not been validated in veterinary patients.

Objectives: We aimed to compare VCM-Vet and thromboelastography (TEG) in sick dogs with suspected disorders of hemostasis.

Methods: Duplicate VCM-Vet tests using untreated native blood performed concurrently on two VCM-Vet machines, and simultaneous TEG tests were performed (one citrated native (CN), and one activated with tissue factor (TF) at a 1:3600 dilution).

Presumptive renal tubular acidosis secondary to topiramate administration in a cat.

Objective: To describe renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and secondary acquired hyperaldosteronism in a cat as an adverse effect of topiramate therapy.

Case Summary: An 8-year-old neutered female cat on chronic oral topiramate therapy at a recommended dose (11.9 mg/kg q 8 h) for seizure control was presented with severe metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia.

The effect of analytical temperature on thromboelastography tracings in dogs.

Viscoelastic testing methods such as thromboelastography (TEG) are becoming increasingly available to veterinarians in a clinical setting. TEG is useful in determining therapeutic transfusion needs and assessing global abnormalities of hemostasis of patients, given that it provides a more comprehensive assessment of coagulation than traditional tests. TEG is standardly performed at 37°C, which is considered a normal body temperature for human patients; however, 37°C is lower than normal body temperature for most canine patients.

Utility of the Sonoclot analyzer to assess hyperfibrinolysis in dogs.

Background: Coagulation abnormalities, including hyperfibrinolysis, have been documented in sick veterinary patients. Viscoelastic tests, including the Sonoclot Coagulation and Platelet Function Analyzer, are useful in detecting hyperfibrinolysis. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) assays have been used to quantify fibrinolysis using thromboelastography.

Establishment of normal reference intervals in dogs using a viscoelastic point-of-care coagulation monitor and its comparison with thromboelastography.

Background: Viscoelastic coagulation devices are a useful adjunct to the evaluation of hemostasis in veterinary patients. VCM Vet is a point-of-care device that is simple in operation and could be used to diagnose and trend hemostatic abnormalities in sick patients. VCM Vet does not use activators.

Consensus on the Rational Use of Antithrombotics in Veterinary Critical Care (CURATIVE): Domain 5-Discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy in small animals.

Objectives: To systematically evaluate the evidence supporting the timing and mechanisms of permanent or temporary discontinuation of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications in small animals DESIGN: Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality (poor, fair, or good), and development of consensus on conclusions via a Delphi-style survey for application of the concepts to clinical practice.

Settings: Academic and referral veterinary medical centers.

Results: Databases searched included Medline via PubMed and CAB abstracts.

Evaluation of thoracic radiographs as a screening test for dogs and cats admitted to a tertiary-care veterinary hospital for noncardiopulmonary disease.

Thoracic radiographs are used as a screening tool for dogs and cats with a variety of disorders that have no clinical signs associated with thoracic structures. However, this practice has never been supported by an evidence-based study. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to determine if certain canine and feline populations have a higher proportion of radiographic abnormalities, and whether any of these abnormalities are associated with patient hospitalization and outcome.

Disorders of micturition in small animal patients: clinical significance, etiologies, and management strategies.

Objectives: To review the physiology of micturition, the pathophysiology of micturition disorders, and current pharmacological agents used to treat these disorders. To discuss different urinary catheterization techniques, along with the risks of catheter-associated urinary tract infections attributed with these techniques.

Etiology: Many critically ill veterinary patients are at risk of developing a number of neurological and non neurological micturition-related disorders.

An in vitro comparison of the effects of voluven (6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) and hespan (6% hydroxyethyl starch 670/0.75) on measures of blood coagulation in canine blood.

Objective: To assess primary and secondary hemostasis following in vitro dilution of canine whole blood (WB) with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 and HES 670/0.75.

Evaluation of acute traumatic coagulopathy in dogs and cats following blunt force trauma.

Objective: To evaluate the presence of acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in dogs and cats following blunt trauma and to relate coagulation variables with injury severity and admission variables.

Design: Prospective, single center, observational study from 2013 to 2014.

Setting: Urban private referral hospital.