Independent and combined effects of prednisone and acetylsalicylic acid on thromboelastography variables in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effects of prednisone and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on results of thromboelastography in healthy dogs.

ANIMALS

16 male mixed-breed dogs.

PROCEDURES

Dogs were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (4 dogs/group) that received prednisone (median dose, 2.07 mg/kg), ASA (median dose, 0.51 mg/kg), or both drugs, PO, every 24 hours from days 0 through 6. Another group received no treatment (control dogs; n = 4). Thromboelastography variables (reaction time, clotting time, α-angle, maximum amplitude [MA], global clot strength, coagulation index, and percentage of clot lysis at 60 minutes [CL(60)]) were evaluated in blood samples collected (prior to drug administration in treated dogs) on days 0 (baseline), 2, 4, and 6.

RESULTS

Administration of ASA alone did not alter TEG variables. For treatment effect, mean global clot strength was increased in the prednisone and drug combination groups, compared with values for control dogs; MA was also increased in the prednisone and drug combination groups, compared with that of controls. For treatment-by-time effect, median CL(60) was increased in the prednisone group on day 6, compared with baseline value in the same dogs and with median CL(60) of the control group on day 6. Median CL(60) was also increased in the drug combination group on day 6, compared with the baseline value and with that of the control group on day 6.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Prednisone administered at approximately 2 mg/kg/d, PO, for 7 days with or without concurrently administered ASA increased clot strength and decreased clot lysis in healthy dogs.