Clinical Assessment of Primary Hemostasis: A Review

Top Companion Anim Med. 2023 Sep-Dec:56-57:100818. doi: 10.1016/j.tcam.2023.100818. Epub 2023 Sep 9.

Abstract

Primary hemostatic disorders such as thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopathia are commonly encountered in small animal practice. The key stages of primary hemostasis include platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation. Understanding the interaction between tissues, platelets, and signaling molecules not only helps clinicians comprehend clot formation but also better recognize thrombocytopathias. Although congenital thrombocytopathia is rare, commercially available platelet function tests allow veterinarians to narrow differentials in many clinical settings. Thrombocytopenia can be easily diagnosed in any clinical setting. In this paper, we review the current understanding of primary hemostasis in veterinary medicine, including the clinical presentation and available diagnostics to identify platelet abnormalities.

Keywords: coagulopathy; platelet; platelet function testing; thrombocytopathia; thrombocytopenia; veterinary medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia* / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / veterinary
  • Blood Platelets
  • Hemostasis
  • Platelet Function Tests / veterinary
  • Thrombocytopenia* / veterinary