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ADAMTS-13 activity in dogs with chronic liver disease

Purpose

To evaluate the role of the ADAMTS-13 enzyme in abnormal blood clotting in dogs with chronic liver disease 

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate for abnormal clotting ability in dogs with chronic liver disease. Dogs with chronic liver disease may be at higher risk of blood clotting disorders, but the mechanism for this isn’t well understood. This study hopes to determine the activity of an enzyme that plays a role in blood clotting, along with other known blood clotting parameters, in dogs with liver disease.   

Eligibility

  • Dogs 1 year of age or older
  • Increased serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (>2.5 times upper end of reference interval) for more than 2 weeks duration
  • Dogs undergoing routine liver biopsy
  • Dogs may be enrolled without liver biopsy if they have evidence of hepatic dysfunction and one or more ultrasound abnormalities consistent with end-stage liver disease (i.e., ascites, multiple acquired portosystemic shunts, portal hypertension, and a small nodular liver with irregular margins)
     

Exclusion Criteria

  • Dogs with biopsy findings of normal liver, acute hepatic disease, vacuolar hepatopathy, or neoplasia (cancer)
  • Dogs with concurrent systemic illness
  • Dogs receiving medications known to alter hemostasis
  • Ultrasound diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary obstruction, acute pancreatitis, congenital portosystemic shunt, or liver disease confined to one liver lobe (focal mass)
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot be enrolled

Study Design

Dogs undergoing routine liver biopsy will be evaluated in this study. If you agree to enroll you dog, we will obtain a small blood sample in order to assess your dog’s blood clotting parameters. Your dog will not receive a liver biopsy for the purpose of this study, but only as part of a routine clinical work-up by our Internal Medicine service. For the study, we will collect an extra blood sample, beyond what is typically needed as part of routine clinical care. All other procedures undertaken are part of the routine clinical assessment and care of dogs with chronic liver disease. 

Compensation

There are no costs to you for your pet to participate in the study. The study does not provide any compensation; however, the results of this study may benefit future animals who are at risk of developing blood clots.  

Contact

Dr. Ashley Wilkinson, Internal Medicine
Phone: 540-231-4621

If your query is urgent, please call the Small Animal Hospital at 540-231-4621.

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