Antithrombotic effect of enoxaparin in clinically healthy cats: a venous stasis model

C M Van De Wiele1, D F Hogan, H W Green

  • 1School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, VCS- Lynn Hall, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2026, USA.

Insights

Enoxaparin (1 mg/kg SC q12h) significantly reduced thrombus formation in healthy cats. Anti-Xa activity did not reliably predict this antithrombotic effect in the study.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Systemic arterial thromboembolic events are a severe complication in cats with cardiac disease.
  • Understanding effective antithrombotic strategies is crucial for feline cardiac health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antithrombotic efficacy of enoxaparin in cats.
  • To determine if anti-Xa activity predicts enoxaparin's effect at 1 mg/kg SC q12h.

Main Methods:

  • A venous stasis model was employed in 14 healthy cats.
  • Thrombus formation was assessed via thrombus weight and 125I-fibrinogen accretion.
  • Plasma anti-Xa activity was measured in treated cats.

Main Results:

  • Enoxaparin significantly reduced thrombus formation at 4 hours post-administration (P < .01).
  • A non-significant reduction in thrombus formation was observed at 12 hours.
  • Plasma anti-Xa activity showed no significant correlation with thrombus formation.

Conclusions:

  • Enoxaparin at 1 mg/kg SC q12h demonstrates an antithrombotic effect in a feline venous stasis model.
  • Anti-Xa activity is a poor predictor of enoxaparin's antithrombotic effect in this model.
  • This pilot study suggests enoxaparin's potential in managing thromboembolic events in cats.
Abstract