Thromboelastometric evaluation of hemostasis in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of hemostasis using thromboelastometry in dogs with leishmaniasis before and after treatment.

Design: Longitudinal observational study.

Setting: University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals: Eighty-four adult, client-owned dogs.

Measurements and main results: Whole blood samples for the coagulation profile were collected from symptomatic dogs with leishmaniasis (group S), asymptomatic dogs with leishmaniasis after treatment (group T), and a control group of healthy dogs (group H). Hemostasis was evaluated by means of standard coagulation profile (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen) and by thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the upper reference range in all 3 groups. Comparison of the ROTEM variables between the 3 groups showed statistically significant differences between group S versus groups T and H, but remaining within the reference ranges. Statistically significant differences in hematocrit and fibrinogen concentrations were noted between groups (group S vs. H: hematocrit P = 0.001, fibrinogen P = 0.002; Group S vs. T: hematocrit P = 0.001, fibrinogen P = 0.001). These variations have interfered with some parameters of the ROTEM profile.

Conclusions: This study showed normal standard coagulation profiles in all 3 groups evaluated. The ROTEM results did not fall outside of the maximum values of the reference ranges.

Keywords: canine; coagulation; leishmaniasis; thromboelastometry.