Effect of desmopressin on buccal mucosal bleeding time in healthy dogs

Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is used as a hemostatic adjunct because it can improve primary hemostasis and increase Factor VIII- and von Willebrand factor-related variables. However, its effects in dogs under general anesthesia are not well defined.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DDAVP on buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) in anesthetized healthy dogs and to assess concurrent changes in plasma FVIII antigen (FVIII:Ag).

Twenty-seven healthy Beagle dogs were randomly assigned to receive intravenous saline (control; n = 8) or DDAVP at 0.6 (n = 7), 1.2 (n = 6), or 1.8 µg/kg (n = 6) under isoflurane anesthesia. The BMBT was measured 30 minutes after administration. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 30 and 60 minutes to measure FVIII:Ag, complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and electrolytes. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded at the same time points.

At 30 minutes after administration, the BMBT values were 128.2 (92.1-157.7) seconds in the control group, 105.2 (72.4-122.0) seconds in the 0.6 µg/kg group, 74.1 (58.6-101.8) seconds in the 1.2 µg/kg group, and 47.2 (44.4-76.1) seconds in the 1.8 µg/kg group.BMBT was significantly shorter in the 1.2 and 1.8 µg/kg groups than in the controls, and in the 1.8 µg/kg group than in the 0.6 µg/kg group (p < 0.05). FVIII:Ag levels at 60 minutes were significantly higher in the 1.8 µg/kg group than in the control group (p < 0.05) and increased from baseline to 60 minutes in the 1.2 and 1.8 µg/kg groups (p < 0.05). No other significant differences were detected.

DDAVP dose-dependently shortened BMBT and increased FVIII:Ag in 60 minutes in healthy anesthetized dogs. These findings provide preliminary data and support further investigation of DDAVP in patients undergoing surgery.