Abnormal platelet activity in dogs and cats – impact and measurement

Abstract

Abnormal platelet activity can either lead to bleeding tendencies or inappropriate thrombus formation and can occur secondarily to a wide variety of disease processes, with a range of clinical consequences and severity. This article will discuss the pathophysiology of platelet function abnormalities and consider a logical diagnostic approach applicable to veterinary practice. Recent advances in platelet function testing will then be discussed, with regards to detection of platelet dysfunction and tailoring of pharmacological manipulation. Although many of these tests are still confined to research or academic institutions, techniques for indirectly assessing platelet function are starting to become more widely available. Although we still require further research to develop guidelines for the use of these tests in clinical decision‐making, the recent advances in this field are an exciting step forward in being able to detect and manage platelet dysfunction in both primary care and referral practice.

Platelet Function and Therapeutic Applications in Dogs: Current Status and Future Prospects

“…In these latter disorders, since VWF acts as a carrier for factor VIII, prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) may concurrently occur. In addition, specific tests of platelet function (platelet function analysis using the PFA-100, collagen binding assay) may be abnormal [90].…”

“…Laboratory tests of platelet function can assess platelet characteristics either in whole blood or in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The proper use of laboratory testing is important for the diagnosis of specific intrinsic platelet function disorders (versus VWD or disorders of secondary hemostasis) and subsequently to provide proper therapeutic recommendations (i.e., treatment with some kind of platelet product versus plasma) in the treatment of various hemostatic disorders [90,123,124] (Table 3). Platelet function determined by methods, such as light transmission aggregometry performed on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and impedance whole-blood platelet aggregometry (WBA), represent effective diagnostic tools for evaluating primary hemostasis disorders.…”

Hematological and histopathological changes in medular aplasia resulting from Ehrlichia canis infection in a Border collie dog

“…The complete blood count (CBC) showed a hematocrit of 11% (ref. 37-55%) and a platelet count of 20,000/μl, below the minimum reference value (150,000/μl) (GANT et al, 2020). In addition, the white blood cells (WBC) revealed a marked leukopenia (3,420/μl, ref.…”

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2‐like syndrome in a crossbred dog

“…It revealed no metastatic lesions and confirmed the absence of vascular invasion by the right adrenal mass (Figure 5A and B). Since chronic bleeding and stimulation of platelet aggregation are possible during pheochromocytoma, 24, 25 thromboelastography was also performed before surgery to assess global haemostatic function and was normal. Repeated serum electrolyte concentration measurements showed persistent moderate hypokalaemia (3.4 mmol/L; RI 3.6‐5.6) and persistent mild hypernatraemia (153 mmol/L; RI 142–152), and IV potassium supplementation (28 mmol/l at an infusion rate of 18 ml/kg/h) was therefore administered pre‐ and preoperatively.…”