Standard tests of haemostasis do not predict elevated thromboelastographic maximum amplitude, an index of hypercoagulability, in sick dogs

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare standard tests of haemostasis in hypercoagulable and normocoagulable sick dogs as identified by thromboelastography.Materials and MethodsWe compared prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D‐dimers, packed red blood cell volume and platelet counts in client‐owned sick dogs with hypercoagulable (n = 36) and normocoagulable (n = 35) states as identified by thromboelastography maximum amplitude above or within the established reference interval, respectively.ResultsSeventy‐one dogs were included. Thirty‐six dogs were hypercoagulable and 35 were normocoagulable on thromboelastography. Using multivariable linear models, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and D‐dimers were not associated with hypercoagulability. Platelet counts and packed red blood cell volume were significantly associated with hypercoagulability.Clinical SignificanceProthrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and D‐dimers were not useful in the identification of hypercoagulability in dogs as defined by thromboelastography.