Use of streptokinase in four dogs with thrombosis

Four dogs with thrombosis were referred for diagnostic testing and were subsequently treated by the use of streptokinase. The range of duration of clinical signs associated with thrombosis was 6 to 120 days. Causes of thrombosis were heart disease (1 dog), protein-losing nephropathy and hyperadrenocorticism (1), hyperadrenocorticism (1), and idiopathic (1). Possible factors that predisposed dogs to hypercoagulability included hypertension (2 dogs) and diabetes mellitus (1). All dogs were treated for underlying disease by use of supportive care. The first dog was treated with a loading dose of 250,000 U of streptokinase, i.v., with a subsequent maintenance dosage of 100,000 U/h, i.v., and also was treated with anticoagulant. The subsequent 3 dogs were treated with a loading dose of 90,000 U of streptokinase, i.v., and maintenance dosage of 45,000 U/ h, i.v., at various intervals. These dogs also were treated with anticoagulant. Three dogs had minor hemorrhage as an adverse effect to streptokinase infusion, but they did not require treatment for the hemorrhage. Complete resolution of the thrombus was observed in 3 dogs, and partial resolution of the thrombus was observed in the other dog. In all dogs, partial or complete resolution of clinical signs associated with thrombosis was seen. Streptokinase may be an effective treatment for dogs with thrombosis.