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Clotting times and antithrombin III activity in cats with naturally developing diseases: 85 cases (1984-1994)
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA.
Insights
Coagulation abnormalities are common in cats, often without obvious clinical signs. Routine coagulation profiles may help identify hidden hemostatic disorders in at-risk feline patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Hematology
- Feline Medicine
- Coagulation Disorders
Background:
- Hemostatic disorders in cats are not always clinically apparent.
- Assessing coagulation profiles (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin III activity) is crucial for diagnosing feline hemostatic issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of abnormalities in feline coagulation tests (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin III activity).
- To investigate the association between these coagulation abnormalities and naturally occurring feline diseases.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 85 cats was conducted.
- Coagulation profiles and medical records were reviewed to identify abnormalities and associated diagnoses.
- Included assessment of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and antithrombin III (ATIII) activity.
Main Results:
- 38 cats exhibited one or more coagulation profile abnormalities, frequently multiple.
- Concurrent thrombocytopenia was noted in 20 of 38 cats with abnormal coagulation.
- Hepatic disease, neoplasia, and systemic infections were commonly associated with laboratory evidence of coagulation disorders.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory evidence suggests hemostatic disorders are more prevalent in cats than clinical signs indicate.
- Coagulation profiles can be valuable for identifying subclinical hemostatic issues in high-risk feline populations.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of abnormalities of in vitro prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), or antithrombin III (ATIII) activity or all 3 variables in cats; and the association of abnormalities of these variables with naturally developing diseases or disorders.
Design:
Retrospective study.
Animals:
85 cats from which blood had been obtained for measurement of a coagulation profile (PT, APTT, and ATIII activity) and concentration of fibrin degradation products.
Procedure:
Medical records from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine were reviewed to determine clinical diagnosis, results of CBC and coagulation profile, and clinical evidence of abnormal bleeding or thrombotic disease.
Results:
38 cats had one or more abnormality in the coagulation profile; most had multiple abnormalities. Twenty of these 38 cats had concurrent thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was identified in 9 of 47 cats in which results of the coagulation profile were normal. Most cats did not have clinical evidence of a coagulation disorder, and testing had been requested as part of a diagnostic work-up or before surgery. Diseases commonly associated with laboratory evidence of a coagulation disorder, either singly or in combination, included hepatic disease, neoplasia, and systemic infections.
Clinical Implications:
On the basis of laboratory evidence, hemostatic disorders develop more commonly in cats than clinical signs would suggest. Coagulation profiles may be warranted in high-risk cats to alert clinicians to potential problems.