Evaluation and clinical application of platelet function testing in small animal practice.

Tests that evaluate many aspects of platelet function have been applied in both human and veterinary medicine for the monitoring of treatment with platelet function inhibitors and for detection of platelet function abnormalities (inherited or acquired). Interspecies variation in the response to various platelet agonists is an important consideration when methods that have been developed for people are applied in other species. At the present time, many of these assays are not readily available in standard veterinary practice. Advanced platelet function testing for veterinary patients is offered at select academic institutions. Discussion with a specialist is recommended when considering the use of these tests, and the relative strengths and limitations of each assay should be considered in the interpretation of test results.