Fibrinolytic activity in dogs after surgically induced trauma

To determine whether alterations in the fibrinolytic pathway analytes, plasminogen (PLG), tissue plasminogen activator, and alpha 2-antiplasmin are significant in dogs subjected to minor and major surgical trauma.

18 dogs in 3 groups of 6 each.

Plasma fibrinolytic pathway analytes were measured in dogs with trauma of ovariohysterectomy (minor trauma) or orthopedic surgery (major trauma) and halothane anesthesia (control group). A commercial procedure adapted to a microtitration plate was used to measure the analytes. Blood was obtained 24 hours before anesthesia, at extubation (0 hours), and again at 2, 24, and 48 hours after extubation. An analyte quality-control strategy was maintained.

In the major trauma group, there was a significant, transient, postsurgical decrease in PLG activity at 0 and 24 hours and a return to presurgical values by 48 hours. The minor trauma group had a similar trend without significant changes, including an increase in PLG values at 48 hours that exceeded the reference range. Antiplasmin values changed significantly in the major trauma group only. Tissue plasminogen activator values remained within the reference range.

Tissue plasminogen activator was not considered a clinical marker of interest for detection of alterations in fibrinolysis after trauma. In contrast, plasma PLG and alpha 2-antiplasmin values may be useful in the evaluation of hemostatic complications of surgery.

Identification of altered fibrinolysis in dogs undergoing traumatic surgery may provide a baseline for preventive pre-and postsurgical hemostatic care.