Effects of aspirin and propranolol alone and in combination on hemostatic determinants in the healthy cat
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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
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Published on: September 5, 2016
Insights
Aspirin at 75 mg daily significantly impacts feline platelet function, particularly collagen-induced aggregation. This suggests aspirin may help prevent thromboembolic disease in cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Feline Medicine
- Hemostasis
Background:
- Thromboembolic disease is a significant concern in feline medicine.
- Understanding the effects of common medications on hemostasis is crucial for safe and effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aspirin and propranolol, alone and in combination, on hemostatic parameters in healthy cats.
- To determine the potential of aspirin in preventing thromboembolic events in felines.
Main Methods:
- Healthy cats received aspirin (75 mg orally) and propranolol (5 mg orally every 8 hours) individually and concurrently.
- Hemostatic determinants including platelet count, fibrinogen, coagulation times (aPTT, PT, TT), and platelet aggregation were measured.
Main Results:
- Aspirin alone significantly reduced platelet aggregation induced by acid soluble collagen.
- Neither aspirin nor propranolol, alone or combined, significantly affected platelet numbers, fibrinogen, or standard coagulation times.
- Propranolol did not alter platelet aggregation responses to various agonists.
Conclusions:
- Aspirin, at a dosage of 75 mg every other day, significantly affects platelet function in cats.
- This dosage of aspirin may be beneficial in preventing thromboembolic disease in feline patients.
Abstract:
The effects of aspirin (75 mg orally/average-size cat) and propranolol (5 mg orally every 8 hours/average-size cat) alone and in combination on hemostatic determinants in healthy cats were studied. In cats, aspirin alone did not cause a significant effect in platelet numbers, plasma fibrinogen, activated partial thromboblastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, or platelet aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate. Aspirin did, however, significantly reduce the degree of aggregation induced by acid soluble collagen. Propranolol alone or in combination with aspirin did not cause a significant effect on platelet numbers, plasma fibrinogen, activated partial thromboblastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, or platelet aggregation in response to acid soluble collagen, adenosine diphosphate, or adrenaline. It was concluded that aspirin alone at the recommended dosage of one-quarter of a 5-grain tablet (1.25 grains or 75 mg) every other day will significantly affect platelet function and may be of value in the prevention of thromboembolic disease in the cat.
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