HM04 - The Use of Cold Stored Platelets to Provide Hemostasis in Dogs with Thrombocytopenia

Abstract: Background – Dogs with thrombocytopenia are at risk of life-threatening spontaneous or procedure related bleeding. Cold stored platelet (CSP) transfusions could reduce this risk. Hypothesis/Objectives – To assess the ability of transfused CSP, stored at 4℃ for up to 21 days, to provide hemostasis in dogs with thrombocytopenia using a modified DOGiBAT scoring system, clinical observation, and platelet counts. Animals – Twenty-four hospitalized thrombocytopenic dogs representing 27 individual transfusion events Methods – Retrospective study of thrombocytopenic dogs receiving CSP transfusion to treat clinical bleeding or to prevent bleeding secondary to invasive procedures. Information regarding CSP units, platelet counts, and DOGiBAT scores at baseline and then 1 and 4 hours post CSP transfusion was collected. Descriptive statistics were performed and Wilcoxon signed-rank test used for variable comparison. Results – Dogs had a baseline median platelet count of 17 x103/µL. The reasons for CSP transfusion included surgery (8), invasive procedure (9), or bleeding (10). Dogs received 1 unit/10 kg of body weight of CSP. DOGiBAT scores were significantly lower only at 4 hours post CSP transfusion (p< 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in platelet counts. Clinical improvement in bleeding or a lack of noted bleeding following invasive interventions was seen in 19/27 transfusion events. Two dogs developed bleeding complications following splenic fine needle aspiration. Nineteen dogs survived to discharge. There were no transfusion reactions seen. Conclusions and Clinical Importance – Transfusion with CSP is safe in thrombocytopenic dogs and provides short-term hemostasis allowing for diagnostic and treatment interventions.