Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to describe the coagulation status of traumatized dogs
over the first 24 hours after admission.
Study Design In 33 dogs presenting within 6 hours after trauma blood was sampled for rotational
thromboelastometry (ROTEM), thrombocyte number and venous blood gas analysis at presentation
and 6 and 24 hours thereafter. At each time point, dogs were defined as hypo-, normo-
or hypercoagulable based on extrinsic, intrinsic and fibrinogen ROTEM profiles.
Results Significantly more dogs (11/33) presented hypocoagulable compared with 6 hours (p = 0.046) and 24 hours (p = 0.008) thereafter and none presented hypercoagulable. Significantly more dogs were
hypercoagulable (6/23, p = 0.014) and no dog was hypocoagulable at 24 hours compared with presentation. All
evaluated ROTEM parameters except maximum lysis were significantly more hypocoagulable
at presentation compared with 24 hours thereafter.
Conclusion Hypocoagulability is more common in acutely traumatized dogs than previously described.
Dogs were hypo- or normocoagulable at presentation and the coagulation status changed
to normo- or hypercoagulability over the first 24 hours. Clotting times, clot formation
and clot firmness but not clot lysis were significantly altered at presentation compared
with 24 hours and fibrinogen concentration or function may play an important role
in the dynamic change of coagulation state over time.
Keywords
coagulation - canine - hypercoagulopathy - ATC - acute traumatic coagulopathy
