Objective
To evaluate the relationship between shortened prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values, clinical findings associated with hypercoagulability, suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), D‐dimer concentrations, and thromboelastogram (TEG) indices.
Design
Retrospective observational study from 2006 to 2011.
Setting
University veterinary teaching hospital.
Animals
Twenty‐three dogs with TEG tracings and shortened PT or aPTT values and 23 control dogs with TEG tracings and normal PT and aPTT values.
Measurements and Main Results
Parameters evaluated included signalment, coagulation testing results (PT, aPTT, D‐dimer concentration), TEG measurements (R, K, α, maximal amplitude) and calculated clotting index, findings of clinical hypercoagulability (thrombosis of intravenous/intra‐arterial catheters, vessel thrombosis, and suspected PTE). Dogs with shortened PT or aPTT had significantly more thrombus formation (P = 0.038), suspicion of PTE (P < 0.001), and increased D‐dimer concentration (P < 0.001) compared to dogs with normal PT and aPTT values. There were no significant findings when compared to TEG values.
Conclusions
A shortened PT or aPTT in dogs may be indicative of a hypercoagulable state as evidenced by an increased incidence of thrombosis, frequency of suspected PTE, and increased circulating D‐dimers. A prospective study is warranted to further evaluate the use of PT and aPTT to diagnose hypercoagulable states.