Coagulation profile of dairy cattle in the periparturient period

A coagulation profile including prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen concentration was determined in 52 clinically healthy German Black Pied cattle during the periparturient period. In these cows a hypercoagulability appeared within the first 48 hours after parturition. Prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time for these animals were significantly shorter than those of nonpregnant animals. In addition, a hypercoagulability could be observed during the last three days before parturition. In comparison to cows whose calves were removed through the birth canal with assistance, animals on which a cesarean section was performed displayed a distinctly shorter partial thromboplastin time immediately after parturition and also a significantly lower fibrinogen concentration 3 as well as 24 hours after parturition.