Coagulation profile in bitches with pyometra: Standard tests and thromboelastography

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Hematology
• Coagulation Science

Background:

• Pyometra is a common uterine infection in intact female dogs.
• Coagulation disorders can complicate pyometra, potentially leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Understanding these changes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate coagulation alterations in bitches with pyometra.
• To assess the incidence of DIC in pyometra cases using specific diagnostic criteria.
• To correlate findings from standard coagulation tests with thromboelastography (TEG).

Main Methods:

• Coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antithrombin activity (AT), fibrinogen (FBG), d-dimers (DD), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (TPAI-1) were measured.
• Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed to assess overall clot dynamics.
• A scoring system based on platelet count, PT, aPTT, FBG, DD, and AT was used to diagnose DIC.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in PT, aPTT, FBG, DD, TPAI-1, TEG clotting time, α-angle, and maximal amplitude between pyometra and control groups.
• Hypercoagulable TEG tracings suggested excessive coagulation activation and delayed fibrinolysis.
• Two out of eighteen pyometra patients met the criteria for DIC.

Conclusions:

• Bitches with pyometra exhibit significant coagulation abnormalities and hypercoagulable TEG patterns.
• These findings indicate a state of excessive coagulation activation and potential DIC, although it may not be overt.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of these subclinical coagulation changes.