ABSTRACT
Objective
To report the use of cryosupernatant (CS) transfusion for the treatment of suspected vitamin K antagonist rodenticide (VKAR)-associated coagulopathy in dogs and its impact on coagulation times.
Design
Retrospective case series (2000–2017).
Setting
University teaching hospital.
Animals
Seven dogs with hemorrhage associated with suspected VKAR intoxication treated with CS transfusion.
Interventions
CS transfusion.
Measurements and Main Results
The median age was 3.0 years, with a median weight of 17.7 kg. Initial coagulation testing revealed median one-stage prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time of 697% and 393%, respectively, above control/average of the reference range (CARR). The median dose of CS was 11.0 mL/kg. One-stage prothrombin time decreased (p = 0.043) after CS transfusion to a median of 98% of CARR. Activated partial thromboplastin time (n = 3) decreased to 114% of CARR (sample size precluded statistical analysis) upon recheck. All dogs received vitamin K supplementation, with an initial median subcutaneous dose of 4.11 mg/kg. Initial median PCV and total plasma protein concentration were 27.0% and 4.5 g/dL (45 g/L), respectively, with posttransfusion PCV and total plasma protein concentration of 22.0% and 4.9 g/dL, respectively. Six dogs showed resolution of observed clinical hemorrhage and were discharged. One dog was euthanized due to multi-organ dysfunction. No transfusion reactions were reported.
Conclusions
Dogs with suspected VKAR intoxication showed resolution of clinical hemorrhage after CS transfusion. Compared with fresh frozen plasma, CS is an option for treating VKAR-associated coagulopathy, despite lower factor IX activity.
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, EarlyView.Wiley: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care: Table of Contents