Primary hemostatic function in dogs with acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding tendencies can occur with uremia. OBJECTIVES: To characterize primary hemostatic function in dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI). ANIMALS: Ten dogs with International Renal Interest Society AKI grade III or above and 10 healthy controls. METHODS: Prospective study comparing PCV, platelet count, platelet aggregometry (Multiplate), and von Willebrand factor antigen to collagen binding activity ratio (vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA) in 2 groups of dogs (AKI group versus controls). Buccal mucosal bleeding time was measured in the AKI group only. Data are presented as median [25th, 75th percentile] unless otherwise stated. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Mean PCV was significantly lower in the AKI (34.7%; ±SD, 8.8) than in the control (46.1%; ±SD, 3.6; P < .001) group. Platelet count was significantly higher in the AKI (350.5 × 103 /µL [301, 516]) than in the control (241 × 103 /µL [227, 251]; P = .01) group. Collagen-activated platelet aggregometry measured as area under the curve was significantly lower in the AKI (36.9 ± 17.7) than in the control (54.9 ± 11.2; P = .05) group. vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA was significantly higher in the AKI (2.2 [1.9, 2.6]) than in the control (1.1 [1.1, 1.2]; P = .01) group. There was a strong correlation between vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA and creatinine (r = 0.859; P < .001), but no other variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with AKI had decreased collagen-activated platelet aggregation and appear to have a type II von Willebrand disease-like phenotype as indicated by the high vWF:Ag:vWF:CBA.

The effects of oral administration of Yunnan Baiyao on blood coagulation in beagle dogs as measured by kaolin-activated thromboelastography and buccal mucosal bleeding times.

We examined the effects of oral administration of Yunnan Baiyao (YB) on hemostasis by measuring buccal mucosal bleeding times (BMBTs) and doing citrated kaolin-activated whole-blood thromboelastography (TEG). In a randomized controlled crossover trial 8 beagle dogs were given either placebo or 1000 mg of YB orally every 12 h for 5 consecutive treatments. Blood was drawn 24 h before treatment and 2 and 24 h after the last treatment, and the BMBT was measured in each sample in duplicate. The TEG analysis was done in duplicate 60 ± 5 min after sample collection. There were no adverse effects of treatment and no significant differences between the control and treatment BMBTs or TEG parameters at any time point. Significant differences were found between baseline and 24 h after the last treatment within the treatment group for the TEG parameters LY30 and LY60 and within the control group for the TEG parameters MA, G, LY30, and LY60. Thus, at the dose and frequency of administration in this study YB did not appear to have any clinically significant effects on the measured coagulation parameters. The differences within the treatment group were likely due to analytic error since similar differences were seen in the control group. Further studies with a larger sample, as well as more direct measures of platelet function, are needed.

Nous avons examiné les effets de l'administration orale de Yunnan Baiyao (YB) sur l'hémostase en mesurant le temps de saignement de la muqueuse buccale (TSMB) et en faisant une thromboélastographie (TEG) de sang entier après activation par de la kaoline citratée. Lors d'un essai en croisé randomisé et contrôlé, huit chiens beagle ont reçu soit un placebo ou 1000 mg de YB par voie orale à chaque 12 h pour cinq traitements consécutifs. Du sang a été prélevé 24 h avant le traitement et 2 et 24 h après le dernier traitement, et le TSMB mesuré dans chaque échantillon en duplicata. L'analyse TEG a été faite en duplicata 60 ± 5 min après le prélèvement de l'échantillon. Il n'y eut aucun effet néfaste du traitement et aucune différence significative entre le groupe témoin et le groupe traité pour ce qui est des TSMBs ou des paramètres de la TEG à tous les points d'échantillonnage. Des différences significatives ont été trouvées entre les valeurs de base et 24 h après le dernier traitement à l'intérieur du groupe traité pour les paramètres LY30 et LY60 de la TEG et à l'intérieur du groupe témoin pour les paramètres MA, G, LY30 et LY60 de la TEG. Ainsi, à la dose et à la fréquence d'administration utilisées dans la présente étude, YB ne semble pas avoir d'effet clinique significatif sur les paramètres de coagulation mesurés. Les différences dans le groupe traité sont fort probablement dues à une erreur analytique car des différences similaires ont été notées dans le groupe témoin. Des études supplémentaires avec un échantillonnage plus grand, ainsi que des mesures plus directes de la fonction des plaquettes sont requises.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Reference values and repeatability of buccal mucosal bleeding time in healthy sedated cats.

Bleeding time is a screening test for the evaluation of primary haemostasis. As there is currently limited information on the reference interval (RI) and repeatability of the test in the cat compared with the dog, the purpose of the study was to establish the RI of buccal mucosa bleeding time (BMBT) in healthy cats and to investigate the intra-observer repeatability of the test. Fifty-six cats were prospectively enrolled in the study. The animals were deemed to be healthy based on history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and negative serological testing for feline leukaemia and immunodeficiency viruses. All cats were sedated with ketamine, dexmedetomidine and morphine, and the BMBT was sequentially measured in the left and right exposed buccal mucosa following a standardised incision made by a commercially available, disposable, bleeding time device. The mean BMBT was 58.6 s and the RIs ranged from 34 to 105 s (Bootstrap estimation). The intra-observer repeatability was up to 87 s (Bland-Altman plot). The results of this study imply that the combination of ketamine, dexmedetomidine and morphine is a safe and useful sedative protocol allowing for the reliable measurement of BMBT in the cat. The RI of feline BMBT may range from 34 to 105 s and the BMBT may differ by up to 87 s for any two consecutive readings for an individual cat.

Comparison of the buccal mucosal bleeding time in dogs using 3 different-sized lancet devices.

BACKGROUND: The buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) evaluates primary hemostasis in vivo. Three different-sized lancet devices designed for people, Adult (A), Junior (J), and Newborn (N), can be used to perform the BMBT in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare BMBT using 3 different-sized human lancet devices in dogs with varying platelet counts and hematocrits. METHODS: The BMBT was measured in 46 client-owned dogs (2 healthy, 44 suffering from various disorders) with varying platelet (Plt) counts and hematocrits, using the 3 devices successively in each dog, in a randomly determined order, over a 10- to 30-minute period. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test) was performed using commercial software. RESULTS: BMBTs were significantly different between devices (P < .00001), and shorter with devices N and J compared with device A (P < .01). The BMBT was prolonged (> 210 s) in 10 dogs with device A and in 7 dogs each with devices J and N, respectively. Sixteen dogs had a Plt count < 200 × 10(9) /L (Reference interval 200-500 × 10(9) /L). Nine of these dogs had prolonged BMBT with device A, and 6 dogs with device J and device N, respectively. BMBT was longer in thrombocytopenic dogs with devices A and J (P < .016). Anemia without thrombocytopenia did not affect BMBT with any device. CONCLUSIONS: The BMBT is influenced by the size of the used device, with A resulting in the longest BMBT. Therefore, the type of device used to obtain the BMBT has to be specified for standardized results.

Infection-associated platelet dysfunction of canine platelets detected in a flow chamber model.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, the influence of bacterial infection, lipopolysacharides (LPS) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on platelet function in a parallel plate flow chamber were measured. Experiments were performed with non-activated and protease-activating-receptor (PAR) 4 agonist activated platelets. Comparative measurements were in vivo capillary bleeding time, platelet function analyzer and impedance aggregometry. RESULTS: PAR 4 agonist did not increase platelet adhesion of platelets from dogs with bacterial inflammation in the flow chamber in contrast to platelets of healthy dogs. Except from impedance aggregometry with lower sensitivity and specificity, PFA did not detect platelet dysfunctions in dogs with infection. In vitro addition of LPS or HES significantly reduced platelet covered area after PAR-activation. CONCLUSIONS: The flow chamber detects platelet dysfunctions in dogs with inflammatory diseases. In vitro addition of LPS highlights the inhibiting effect of bacterial wall components on platelet function. Platelet dysfunction induced by infection could possibly also be diagnosed after treatment of sepsis with colloids has commenced. The flow chamber could be a useful tool to detect sepsis associated platelet dysfunction given that larger prospective trials confirm these findings from a proof of concept study.

Hemostatic profile and thromboembolic risk in healthy dogs treated with prednisone: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis has been associated to some diseases like hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Several drugs can alter the balance, such as the corticosteroid prednisone, used mainly for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is known that hypercortisolism can stimulate thrombi formation by increasing coagulation factors and decreasing fibrinolysis. However it is not known how prednisone administration affects hemostasis in dogs and if it is dose dependent. The aim of this study, therefore, was to demonstrate the effects of prednisone administration on dogs' hemostatic profile. RESULTS: Significant decrease of antithrombin levels was observed in both groups (anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive doses) after 15 days of treatment. An increase of platelet aggregation was observed in dogs receiving immunosuppressive doses of prednisone (Group II). CONCLUSIONS: From the results obtained in our study, it is not possible to infer that hypercortisolism can increase the thromboembolic risk, despite the decreased anticoagulant factors (antithrombin levels).

Poor reproducibility of template bleeding time in horses.

BACKGROUND: Template bleeding time (TBT) is considered to be a useful test for detecting platelet function disorders and the effect of platelet-activating drugs, but studies in human medicine have concluded that the test has poor reproducibility and sensitivity. HYPOTHESIS: TBT has poor reproducibility in horses and has insufficient sensitivity to detect the effect of etamsylate on platelet function. ANIMALS: Twenty healthy horses. METHODS: TBT was determined and repeated 2 hours and 30 days later. TBT was also performed 2 hours after IV administration of etamsylate. RESULTS: Although no statistical differences were seen between the TBT values obtained at different times, the coefficients of variation for TBT replicates ranged from 26.8% to 45.5%. The reference range for TBT was 138.4-860.4 seconds. No statistically significant shortening of the mean TBT value was observed after etamsylate administration. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: TBT has poor reproducibility, and the reference range is too wide to make TBT useful in a clinical setting. Other tests with higher reproducibility should be considered when assessing platelet function disorders in horses.

The interaction between orally administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisolone in healthy dogs.

The interaction between oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prednisolone administered concurrently for 30 days was studied in 18 healthy dogs divided into 3 groups of 6 dogs each: a drug-free negative control group (NC group) given 2 gelatin capsules; a group given meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) (MP group); and a group given a reduced dosage of ketoprofen (0.25 mg/kg, p.o.) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) (KP group). The dogs were periodically monitored by physical examinations, blood analyses, endoscopic examinations, fecal occult blood tests, renal function tests [effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)], urinalyses [urinary sediments, and urinary micro-albumin to creatinine ratio (UAlb/Cre)], urinary enzyme indices, and haemostatic function tests [buccal mucosa bleeding time (BMBT), cuticle bleeding time (CBT)]. Significant changes were observed in the KP group, including a decrease of ERPF and GFR, an increased UAlb/Cre ratio, prolonged BMBT and CBT, as well as the presence of more severe grades of endoscopic lesions and fecal occult blood. In both the MP and KP groups, abnormal enzymuria with exfoliation of renal tubular epithelial cells in the urine was found. However, no significant changes in any of the other tests were observed in the MP group compared with the NC group. These findings suggest that the combination of NSAIDs, even selective COX-2 inhibitors, with prednisolone may be contraindicated due to the potential for serious adverse effects on the kidneys, the platelets, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Quantification of surgical blood loss.

OBJECTIVE: To compare gravimetric and colorimetric methods of quantifying surgical blood loss, and to determine if there is a correlation between preoperative hemostatic tests (buccal mucosa bleeding time [BMBT] and intraoperative blood loss). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=15) admitted for cutaneous tumor excision, orthopedic procedure, or exploratory laparotomy. METHODS: Intraoperative blood loss was quantified by measuring irrigation fluid and weighing surgical sponges used for blood and fluid collection during surgery. Results of gravimetric measurements were then correlated to blood loss quantified using spectrophotometric analysis of hemoglobin (Hb) content. Hemostatic variables including BMBT were measured before surgery and compared with the calculated amount of blood loss. RESULTS: Blood loss quantified by gravimetric measurement showed a significant correlation with colorimetric determination of Hb content in surgical sponges and collected irrigation fluid (r=0.93, P<.0001). BMBT correlated weakly but significantly with intraoperative blood loss (r=0.56, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Quantifying intraoperative blood loss using spectrophotometric Hb analysis accurately assessed the amount of blood loss; however, it is a time-consuming procedure, primarily applicable as a research tool. Gravimetric evaluation of intraoperative blood loss was found to be an accurate method, which can be recommended for use in a clinical setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Estimation of blood loss using a gravimetric method is accurate and applicable in the clinical setting and provides surgeons with a simple and objective tool to evaluate intraoperative blood loss.

Effects of long-term oral administration of ketoprofen in clinically healthy beagle dogs.

To investigate the adverse effects of long-term administration of ketoprofen in dogs, ketoprofen (1 mg/kg) was administered to five clinically healthy beagle dogs (ketoprofen group) and gelatin capsules (control group) were administered to four clinically healthy beagle dogs for 30 days. We monitored the dogs through periodic physical examination, blood analyses, endoscopic examinations, fecal occult blood tests, renal function tests, urinalysis, urinary enzyme indices and cuticle bleeding time analysis. The lesions in the stomach, especially in the pyloric antrum, and fecal occult blood progressively worsened in the ketoprofen group. However, the differences between the ketoprofen group and the control group were not statistically significant. One dog in the ketoprofen group temporarily exhibited a decrease in renal plasma flow and two dogs exhibited enzymuria. However, these changes did not persist and the other examinations showed no significant difference between premedication and postmedication in the ketoprofen group. Therefore, the adverse effects of long-term administration of ketoprofen observed in this study were not clinically important in healthy dogs. Nevertheless, further investigation of adverse renal effects from long-term administration of ketoprofen is necessary in the dogs with subclinical renal disease.

Effects of meloxicam on the haemostatic profile of dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

The buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and intraoperative bleeding score (IBS) of 38 dogs that underwent orthopaedic surgical procedures and received meloxicam orally and/or parenterally were measured. Fourteen of the dogs (group A) received a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam at premedication, 18 dogs (group B) received 0.1 mg/kg meloxicam orally daily for five days followed by a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam preoperatively, and six dogs (group C) received 0.5 ml of normal saline subcutaneously at premedication. No statistically significant differences among the groups were detected in relation to the mean (SD) values of BMBT, PT and IBS before and after the surgery, or in the values of APTT in group A. In group B there was a small but significant increase in APTT after the surgery, but all the measurements were within the normal range for dogs.

Effects of preoperative administration of meloxicam on whole blood platelet aggregation, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and haematological indices in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain control, on primary haemostasis in dogs. Twenty healthy female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy were enrolled in the study. Sixty minutes before pre-anaesthesia, a single dose of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) was randomly administered intravenously (IV) to 10 dogs (treatment group) while control dogs received an equivalent volume of saline solution IV. Platelet aggregation, buccal mucosa bleeding time, platelet count and haematological indices were measured at 0, 1, 6 and 24 h after administration of meloxicam. Since significant differences between groups were not observed for any of the measured parameters, preoperative administration of meloxicam may be used for pain control before elective ovariohysterectomy in healthy dogs, without compromising primary haemostasis.

A comparison of the analgesic effects of butorphanol with those of meloxicam after elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs.

This study was designed to compare the analgesic effects of butorphanol with those of meloxicam following ovariohysterectomy. Fifteen dogs were premedicated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight (BW) of acepromazine by intramuscular (IM) injection, plus 0.2 mg/kg BW of meloxicam by subcutaneous (SC) injection. Fifteen dogs were premedicated with 0.05 mg/kg BW of Acepromazine, IM, plus 0.2 mg/kg BW of butorphanol, IM. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental, and dogs were maintained on halothane. All pain measurements were performed by 1 experienced individual, blinded to treatment. Pain scores and visual analogue scales (VAS) were performed at 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours postpremedication. An analgesiometer was used to determine the pressure required to produce an active avoidance response to pressure applied at the incision line. Pain scores, VAS, and analgesiometer scores were analyzed by using a generalized estimating equations method. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered significant. Animals that received meloxicam demonstrated significantly lower pain scores and VAS than did animals that received butorphanol in the first 12 hours after surgery. Results of this study suggest that meloxicam will produce better postoperative analgesia than will butorphanol. Mucosal bleeding times were performed on cooperative animals in the study group (11 butorphanol, 13 meloxicam). Bleeding times were performed prior to premedication, 6 hours following premedication, and 24 hours after premedication. The 6- and 24-hour readings were compared with baseline bleeding times by using a paired t-test with a Bonferroni correction (a significance level of P < 0.025). Bleeding times did not change significantly over time.

Effect of desmopressin acetate administration on primary hemostasis in Doberman Pinschers with type-1 von Willebrand disease as assessed by a point-of-care instrument.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate primary hemostasis following administration of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) to Doberman Pinschers with type-1 von Willebrand disease (vWD). ANIMALS: 16 nonanemic Doberman Pinschers with type-1 vWD. PROCEDURE: Closure time (CT), defined as time required for occlusion of an aperture by a platelet plug assessed within the point-of-care instrument, plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentration, and buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) were determined before and 1 hour after administration of DDAVP (1 microg/kg, SC). RESULTS: Baseline closure times measured with adenosine diphosphate ([ADP-CT], 108 to > 300 seconds; reference range, 52 to 86 seconds) and epinephrine ([EPI-CT], 285 to > 300 seconds; 97 to 225 seconds) as platelet agonists were prolonged in all dogs. Following DDAVP administration, ADP-CT (59 to 186 seconds) was significantly shortened from baseline, but there was no decrease in EPI-CT. Although mean plasma vWF concentration increased significantly after DDAVP administration, only 1 dog had an increase of > 35 U/dL. There was no correlation between increase in plasma vWF concentration and shortening of the ADP-CT. Baseline BMBT was prolonged in 12 of 14 dogs, with significant shortening of BMBT after DDAVP administration in 6 of 7 dogs. In vitro replacement of vWF-deficient plasma with plasma from an unaffected dog shortened the ADP-CT whereas in vitro addition of DDAVP had no effect. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of DDAVP to Doberman Pinschers with type-1 vWD resulted in improved hemostatic function, as assessed by the point-of-care instrument and shortening of BMBT, despite minimal increase in plasma vWF concentration.

Effects of preoperative administration of ketoprofen on whole blood platelet aggregation, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and hematologic indices in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of preoperative administration of ketoprofen on whole blood platelet aggregation, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and hematologic indices in dogs after elective ovariohysterectomy. DESIGN: Randomized, masked clinical trial. ANIMALS: 22 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: 60 minutes before induction of anesthesia, 11 dogs were given 0.9% NaCl solution (control), and 11 dogs were given ketoprofen (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], IM). Thirty minutes before induction of anesthesia, glycopyrrolate (0.01mg/kg [0.005 mg/lb]), acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg [0.02 mg/lb]), and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg 10.09 mg/lb]) were given IM to all dogs. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental (5 to 10 mg/kg [2.3 to 4.5 mg/lb], IV) and maintained with isoflurane (1 to 3%). Ovariohysterectomy was performed and butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg [0.05 mg/lb], IV) was given 15 minutes before completion of surgery. Blood samples for measurement of variables were collected at intervals before and after surgery. RESULTS: In dogs given ketoprofen, platelet aggregation was decreased 95 +/- 10% and 80 +/- 35% (mean +/- SD) immediately after surgery and 24 hours after surgery, respectively, compared with preoperative values. At both times, mean values in dogs given ketoprofen differed significantly from those in control dogs. Significant differences between groups were not observed for mucosal bleeding time or hematologic indices. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative administration of ketoprofen inhibited platelet aggre gation but did not alter bleeding time. Ketoprofen can be given before surgery to healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy, provided that dogs are screened for potential bleeding problems before surgery and monitored closely after surgery.

[Preclinical studies for the use of the platelet function analyser PFA-100 with the collagen/ADP cartridge in dogs]. / Präklinische Untersuchungen zur Anwendung des Plättchenfunktionsanalysengerätes PFA-100 mit der Kollagen/ADP-Messzelle beim Hund.

In this study, the following three aspects of platelet function analyser were investigated in dogs, using a collagen/ADP cartridge: precision, influence of the cartridge batch and of the sample storage time. Closure time and total volume of blood flow until closure of the capillary were measured. Based on several series of 5 repeated measurements mean coefficients of variation were 5% (3-6%; closure time) or 3% (1-5%; total volume). Neither closure time, nor total volume showed significant differences (p > 0.05) when comparing the results of 6 different batches of the collagen/ADP cartridge. Closure time (p = 0.0211, analysis of variance) and total volume (p = 0.0310) were significantly influenced by storage time, based on the sample material of 6 healthy dogs which was stored for 24 hours. Shortening of the closure time and decrease of the total volume observed in the time interval 1-2 hours after blood collection was followed by a significant prolongation of closure time and increase of the total volume (p < 0.05) starting 8 hours after blood collection. This study shows sufficient reproducibility which is not affected by reagent batch number. The results of the studies on storage indicated nearly identical recommendations for storage time before measurement of canine (0.5-2 hours) and human (0.5-3 hours) sample material.

Safety and efficacy of preoperative administration of meloxicam, compared with that of ketoprofen and butorphanol in dogs undergoing abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of preoperative administration of meloxicam with that of ketoprofen and butorphanol in dogs undergoing abdominal surgery. ANIMALS: 36 dogs undergoing laparotomy, splenectomy, or cystotomy. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. In the first part of the study, dogs were given a single dose of meloxicam, ketoprofen, or a placebo, and buccal mucosal bleeding times were measured. In the second part of the study, dogs were given meloxicam, ketoprofen, or butorphanol prior to surgery. Dogs in the butorphanol group received a second dose immediately after surgery. Pain scores (1 to 10) were assigned hourly for 20 hours after surgery and used to determine an overall efficacy score for each dog. Dogs with a pain score > or =3 were given oxymorphone for pain. Dogs were euthanatized 8 days after surgery, and gross and histologic examinations of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract were conducted. RESULTS: Overall efficacy was rated as good or excellent in 9 of the 12 dogs that received meloxicam, compared with 9 of the 12 dogs that received ketoprofen and only 1 of the 12 dogs that received butorphanol. No clinically important hematologic, biochemical, or pathologic abnormalities were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that preoperative administration of meloxicam is a safe and effective method of controlling postoperative pain for 20 hours in dogs undergoing abdominal surgery; the analgesic effects of meloxicam were comparable to those of ketoprofen and superior to those of butorphanol.

An interobserver and intraobserver study of buccal mucosal bleeding time in Greyhounds.

Two observers experienced with the buccal mucosal bleeding-time technique using a standardised device (Surgicutt) performed the test on 20 Greyhounds, to evaluate interobserver and intraobserver repeatability. The interobserver and intraobserver repeatability were both about 2 minutes. The results indicated that, for any two readings within a dog, the buccal mucosal bleeding time may differ by up to +/- 2 minutes. A single reading was accurate to within +/- 80 seconds. Sixty-one Greyhounds were used to establish a reference interval for the buccal mucosal bleeding time, and to assess the relationship between the buccal mucosal bleeding time and plasma von Willebrand factor concentration. The mean was 129.5 (SD 44.2) seconds. The reference interval was 53 to 235 seconds, which was slightly lower than non-greyhounds. No significant correlation (r=-0. 18, P=0.17) between the buccal mucosal bleeding time and plasma von Willebrand factor concentration was found in the 61 Greyhounds, where plasma von Willebrand factor concentration was in the range 29 to 160 Canine Units dL(-1).