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

Abstract

Objectives: To compare standard tests of haemostasis in hypercoagulable and normocoagulable sick dogs as identified by thromboelastography. Materials and Methods: We 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. Results: Seventy-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 Significance: Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and D-dimers were not useful in the identification of hypercoagulability in dogs as defined by thromboelastography.