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Blood coagulation in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Purpose

To evaluate cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) for abnormal blood clotting activity 

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of acquired heart disease in cats. Cats with HCM are at a higher risk for abnormal blood clot formation, but the way that this happens isn’t well understood. This study hopes to determine if cats with HCM have evidence of hypercoagulability, which is the tendency for blood to clot excessively. 

Eligibility

  • Two groups of cats will be enrolled:

1.     Cats with HCM, but without left atrial (heart chamber) enlargement

2.     Cats with HCM, and with left atrial (heart chamber) enlargement  

  • All enrolled cats must be 1 year of age or older

Exclusion Criteria

  • Cats diagnosed with a condition known to alter hemostasis, including von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, kidney disease, malignant neoplasia, hepatic disease, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, or other major concurrent illness.
  • Cats receiving drugs that could alter hemostasis, including warfarin, heparin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, fish oil supplementation, or corticosteroids within 7 days of enrollment.
  • Cats with evidence of proteinuria with an inactive sediment on initial urinalysis and those with a UPC of greater than 0.4.
  • Cats with Doppler blood pressure greater than 160 mm Hg.
  • Cats with a platelet concentration less than 100,000 cells/𝜇L and packed cell volume less than 25%.
  • Cats with current or past evidence of congestive heart failure.

Study Design

Each enrolled cat will undergo a physical examination, plasma biochemistry, complete blood cell count (CBC), total T4, urinalysis, blood pressure measurements, and a complete 2D and Doppler echocardiogram. All enrolled cats will be sedated during the study procedures. Sedation is necessary to minimize patient stress and improve safety for all enrolled cats.

The risks from study-related procedures are minimal. Your cat may experience bruising or irritation at the site of blood and/or urine collection. Although very uncommon, sedation may cause changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. We will carefully monitor your cat to minimize adverse effects.

Compensation

There are no costs to you for your cat to participate in the study. The study covers the costs of all study-related procedures, and all clinically-relevant results will be shared with you.

Contact

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

Dr. Giulio Menciotti, Cardiology
Phone: 540-231-4621

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

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