Clotting times and antithrombin III activity in cats with naturally developing diseases: 85 cases (1984-1994).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of abnormalities of in vitro prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), or antithrombin III (ATIII) activity or all 3 variables in cats; and the association of abnormalities of these variables with naturally developing diseases or disorders.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
85 cats from which blood had been obtained for measurement of a coagulation profile (PT, APTT, and ATIII activity) and concentration of fibrin degradation products.


METHODS
Medical records from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine were reviewed to determine clinical diagnosis, results of CBC and coagulation profile, and clinical evidence of abnormal bleeding or thrombotic disease.


RESULTS
38 cats had one or more abnormality in the coagulation profile; most had multiple abnormalities. Twenty of these 38 cats had concurrent thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was identified in 9 of 47 cats in which results of the coagulation profile were normal. Most cats did not have clinical evidence of a coagulation disorder, and testing had been requested as part of a diagnostic work-up or before surgery. Diseases commonly associated with laboratory evidence of a coagulation disorder, either singly or in combination, included hepatic disease, neoplasia, and systemic infections.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of laboratory evidence, hemostatic disorders develop more commonly in cats than clinical signs would suggest. Coagulation profiles may be warranted in high-risk cats to alert clinicians to potential problems.
Thomas
J S
JS
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA.
Green
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000032:analysis*; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time / Q000662:veterinary; D011517:Prothrombin Time / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary
D000990:Antithrombin III