Intravenous administration of desmopressin acetate to reverse acetylsalicylic acid-induced coagulopathy in three dogs.

BACKGROUND

Acetylsalicylic acid (ie, aspirin) administration inhibits platelet aggregation in dogs and is associated with increased perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in people. Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is used to control or prevent bleeding in dogs with type 1 von Willebrand disease and is also widely reported in the human literature as an emergency antithrombotic reversal agent.

KEY FINDINGS: Three dogs undergoing surgery for intervertebral disc disease had marked prolongations in buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) after aspirin administration. DDAVP was given intravenously preoperatively and achieved prompt reversal of the prolongation in BMBT. None of the dogs experienced intraoperative bleeding complications.

SIGNIFICANCE: IV DDAVP corrected prolongations in BMBT in dogs given aspirin and should be considered in dogs requiring prompt reversal of aspirin-induced coagulopathies to reduce the risk of bleeding complications.