Thromboelastographic evaluation of thrombus generation and fibrinolysis in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Introduction

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality due to sepsis and multi-organ failure including coagulation abnormality in dogs. Thromboelastography (TEG) is used to evaluate global coagulation status. TEG velocity curve (V-curve) data provides further information of thrombus generation and fibrinolytic activity, but there is no data yet in septic patients. The present study investigated the global coagulation status with V-curve data by TEG in dogs with sepsis due to CPV infection.

Material and methods

Test group included CPV-infected dogs (n=21), and 10 dogs were used as healthy controls. Coagulation status was evaluated with Na citrated whole blood samples by using kaolin-activated TEG. Clotting time (reaction time[R]), clot kinetic (kinetic time[K] and α-angle), clot strength (maximum amplitude[MA], G-value) and clot stability (LY30) were evaluated. V-curve data included the parameters of thrombus generation; maximum rate of thrombus generation (MRTG), time to maximum rate of thrombus generation (TMRTG) and total thrombus generated (TG), and fibrinolytic activity; maximum rate of lysis (MRL), time to maximum rate of lysis (TMRL) and total lysis (TL).

Results

Dogs with CPV infection were consisted with sepsis criteria. Mean R and K times, α-angle, G and LY30 values were higher in dogs with CPV, compared to controls (P<0.05 – 0.01). TMRTG (5.2±0.4min) and MRTG times (21.1±2.0min.) in dogs with CPV were higher (P<0.01) than the control values (2.0±0.4min. and 14.8±2.4 min., respectively). There was no statistical difference on TG value between groups. MRL, TMRL, and TL values were 0.19±0.00mm/min. (P<0.05), 34.03±2.16min. (P<0.05), and 111±10mm (P<0.01) in dogs with CPV, and 0.28±0.05mm/min., 43.86±1.67min., and 173±10mm in control dogs.

Conclusion

TEG results showed that clotting time and clot kinetic, strength and stability were altered during CPV infection in dogs. V-curve data from dogs with sepsis due to CPV infection might also be used to indicate the presence of hypercoagulation states.

Keywords: TEG, PVE, sepsis, dogs