Evaluation of platelet activation in canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To establish whether heightened platelet activation is a common feature of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, and to evaluate the hypothesis that platelet activation plays a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism.


METHODS
Using whole-blood flow-cytometric analysis, the proportion of activated platelets and platelet-leucocyte aggregates in blood samples from 14 dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and 14 healthy dogs was calculated. General linear models with binomial errors were used to compare groups. Results from the immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia-affected dogs were then correlated with established risk factors for thromboembolism in canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, D-dimer concentration and antithrombin activity.


RESULTS
There was a strong correlation between platelet activation and severe thrombocytopenia, with heightened platelet activation being observed predominantly in severely thrombocytopenic dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, particularly those with concurrent severe thrombocytopenia, are likely to have heightened platelet activation, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism.
Ridyard
A E
AE
Division of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG.
Shaw
D J
DJ
Milne
E M
EM
D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000502:physiology; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary
D015415:Biomarkers