Evaluation of thromboelastography analysis for treatment of heartworm disease in dogs over time: A pilot study

Abstract

Thromboelastography (TEG) analysis consists of a, G, K, MA, and R types of values and tests the effectiveness of blood clotting, which can be assessed for platelet function, clotting strength, and fibrinolysis. Canine heartworm diseases caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a vascular nematode, can lead to hyperfibrinolysis and hypercoagulation. In this study, G and MA values showed a statistically significant decrease over time after treatment of heartworm disease. Additionally, the a-value showed a high correlation with G, K, MA, and R values. The G value showed a high correlation with K and MA values, while The K value showed a high correlation with MA and R values. This study clearly found a gradual decrease in G and MA values in dogs with heartworm disease over time, both before and after treatment. This suggests that the clot formation time is longer and that the intensity of clot formation is lowered and may improve the risk of thromboembolism in dogs with heartworm disease. ? 2019, Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics. All rights reserved.