Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Dynamic Multiparameter Platelet Function Assessment Using a Capacitive Biosensor
Published on: May 2, 2025
Association between patient signalment and platelet function parameters in cats
Matthew R Kornya1, Sarah M Larkin1
1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario.
Insights
Feline platelet function, but not platelet count, may be associated with age and breed. These findings suggest that age and purebred status should be considered in feline hematology research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hematology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Platelet count and function are crucial hematologic parameters.
- Understanding factors influencing these parameters in domestic cats is important for research and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations of age, sex, and breed with platelet count and function in domestic cats.
- To determine if signalment influences hematologic parameters in felines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 93 healthy cats undergoing platelet function testing.
- Platelet function assessed using Plateletworks (PW) ADP system and Platelet Function Analyzer-200 (PFA-200).
- Data collected included age, sex, breed, and platelet count.
Main Results:
- Platelet count showed no association with age, sex, or purebred status.
- Platelet aggregation (PW) was negatively associated with age.
- Higher Collagen/ADP closure times (PFA-200) were observed in purebred cats.
Conclusions:
- Feline platelet function, particularly aggregation and closure times, may be influenced by age and purebred status.
- Sex was not found to be associated with platelet count or function.
- While not clinically significant, these associations warrant consideration in future feline hematology research.
Objective:
The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the associations of age, sex, and breed with platelet count and function in domestic cats.
Animals:
Records of healthy cats (N = 93) undergoing platelet function testing at the OVC Comparative Hemostasis Lab (Guelph, Ontario) between 2012 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.
Procedure:
For every cat, age, sex, breed, and platelet count were recorded. Platelet function was tested using the Plateletworks (PW) ADP system (Helena Laboratories) and the Platelet Function Analyzer-200 (PFA-200) (Siemens Healthineers) with Collagen/ADP (Col/ADP) and P2Y cartridges.
Results:
Platelet count was not associated with age, sex, or purebred status. The PW percent aggregation was negatively associated with age (P = 0.002; r = -0.39) but not associated with sex or purebred status; this change persisted on multivariable regression (P = 0.009). The PFA-200 closure times were not associated with age, sex, or purebred status on univariate analysis; however, on multivariate regression, there was an association between purebred status and higher Col/ADP closure times in purebred cats (P = 0.036).
Conclusion:
This study revealed that feline platelet function may be associated with age and purebred status but not sex.
Clinical Relevance:
The degree of change was unlikely to be clinically relevant, but should be accounted for in future research studies. Platelet count was not related to signalment.
