Multicenter Retrospective Evaluation of the Use of Lyophilized Platelets in Dogs

The goal of this study was to describe the use of and complications associated with the administration of lyophilized platelets (LPs) in dogs with thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage and those with nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage. Secondary objectives were to report pretransfusion and posttransfusion values, including PCV, total plasma protein concentration, platelet count, blood product administration, and overall survival.

Retrospective study between 2018 and 2022.

Two university veterinary teaching hospitals.

Sixty-eight dogs that received LPs.

Thirty-five dogs received LPs due to thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage, and 33 dogs received LPs due to nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage. The platelet count was lower in dogs with thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage, both before (p < 0.001) and after LP administration (p < 0.001), compared with dogs with nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage. Dogs with thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage had lower PCV values before LP administration (p = 0.007), but no difference was noted at 6-12 or 12-24 h after LP administration. There was no difference in the transfusion of other blood products (p = 0.620) or in survival to discharge (p = 1.000). Potential complications were noted in 6% of dogs.

LP administration may be considered for a variety of conditions, including both thrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage and nonthrombocytopenia-associated hemorrhage.