Comparison of coagulation patterns in dogs with Cushing syndrome and prednisolone treatment assessed by thromboelastography.

OBJECTIVE

To compare dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing syndrome [CS]) and those receiving prednisolone (PDS; ≥ 0.25 mg/kg/d for ≥ 3 consecutive weeks) therapy to assess whether the 2 forms of glucocorticoid excess exhibit distinct coagulation profiles.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 29 dogs of various breeds, ages, and sexes. The dogs were categorized into 3 groups: a control group (n = 8) and 2 experimental groups (the CS [12] and PDS [9] groups). Reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), α-angle, maximum amplitude (MA), and clot strength (G) were compared between groups using thromboelastography. The correlations of each parameter with Hct and platelet count were also analyzed in each experimental group.

RESULTS

Compared with the control, the CS and PDS groups exhibited increased G as indicated by significantly higher MA and G. The PDS and CS groups had shorter K values than the controls. The R was significantly shorter in the PDS group compared with the other groups. In addition, platelet count showed opposing correlations with MA and G in the PDS and CS groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Dogs in the CS and PDS groups exhibited hypercoagulable profiles on thromboelastography, characterized by enhanced G (higher MA and G). The PDS group uniquely demonstrated faster clot formation kinetics, with significantly shorter R (vs controls and CS) and K (vs controls).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings emphasize the need for functional coagulation monitoring to distinguish specific thrombotic risks associated with the source of glucocorticoid excess.