Clinical indications for use of fresh frozen plasma in dogs: 74 dogs (October through December 1999)

Jaime C. Logan Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Jaime C. Logan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VMD
,
Mary Beth Callan Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Mary Beth Callan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VMD, DACVIM
,
Krista Drew Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Krista Drew in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Kym Marryott Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Kym Marryott in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Donna A. Oakley Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Donna A. Oakley in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Leigh Jefferies Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Leigh Jefferies in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MD
, and
Urs Giger Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6010.

Search for other papers by Urs Giger in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PD, Dr Med Vet, DACVIM

Abstract

Objective—To document reasons for use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in dogs and determine variables that apparently triggered the decision to use FFP.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—74 dogs.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs that received FFP at a veterinary teaching hospital during a 3-month period were reviewed.

Results—The 74 dogs underwent 144 transfusion episodes (TE; a TE was defined as 1 day of transfusion therapy) and received 252 units (120 ml/unit) of FFP. Fresh frozen plasma was administered to provide coagulation factors (67 TE), albumin (91), alphamacroglobulin (15), or immunoglobulins (19); for some TE, multiple clinical indications were identified. Variables that apparently triggered the decision to administer FFP included active hemorrhage with or without prolongation of coagulation times, low total plasma protein concentration, persistent vomiting associated with pancreatitis, and sepsis. Mean doses of FFP for each indication were between 8.5 and 9.4 ml/kg (3.9 and 4.3 ml/lb). Small dogs were generally given higher doses (mean dose, 13.9 ml/kg [6.3 ml/lb]) than large dogs (mean dose, 5.1 ml/kg [2.3 ml/lb]). Fifty (68%) dogs were alive at the time of discharge from the hospital.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that FFP plays an important role in the care of critically ill dogs. Because the supply of FFP is limited, guidelines for when administration of FFP may be clinically useful should be developed. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:1449–1455)

Abstract

Objective—To document reasons for use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in dogs and determine variables that apparently triggered the decision to use FFP.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—74 dogs.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs that received FFP at a veterinary teaching hospital during a 3-month period were reviewed.

Results—The 74 dogs underwent 144 transfusion episodes (TE; a TE was defined as 1 day of transfusion therapy) and received 252 units (120 ml/unit) of FFP. Fresh frozen plasma was administered to provide coagulation factors (67 TE), albumin (91), alphamacroglobulin (15), or immunoglobulins (19); for some TE, multiple clinical indications were identified. Variables that apparently triggered the decision to administer FFP included active hemorrhage with or without prolongation of coagulation times, low total plasma protein concentration, persistent vomiting associated with pancreatitis, and sepsis. Mean doses of FFP for each indication were between 8.5 and 9.4 ml/kg (3.9 and 4.3 ml/lb). Small dogs were generally given higher doses (mean dose, 13.9 ml/kg [6.3 ml/lb]) than large dogs (mean dose, 5.1 ml/kg [2.3 ml/lb]). Fifty (68%) dogs were alive at the time of discharge from the hospital.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that FFP plays an important role in the care of critically ill dogs. Because the supply of FFP is limited, guidelines for when administration of FFP may be clinically useful should be developed. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:1449–1455)

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 261 0 0
Full Text Views 975 717 59
PDF Downloads 563 251 19
Advertisement