Clinical, clinicopathologic, and gastrointestinal changes from administration of clopidogrel, prednisone, or combination in healthy dogs: A double-blind randomized trial

Abstract

Background: Dogs with immune-mediated disease often receive glucocorticoids with clopidogrel, but ulcerogenic effects of current protocols are unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare gastrointestinal endoscopic findings among dogs administered clopidogrel, prednisone, and combination treatment. Animals: Twenty-four healthy research dogs. Methods: Double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Dogs received placebo, clopidogrel (2–3 mg/kg q24h), prednisone (2 mg/kg q24h), or prednisone with clopidogrel PO for 28 days. Attitude, food intake, vomiting, and fecal score were determined daily. Clinicopathologic testing was performed at baseline and on day 28. Gastrointestinal hemorrhages, erosions, and ulcers were numerated by 2 blinded investigators for endoscopies performed on days 0, 14, and 28, and endoscopic mucosal lesion scores were calculated. Results were compared using mixed model, split-plot repeated measures ANOVAs and generalized estimating equation proportional odds models as appropriate. P