Characterize the changes in D-dimer concentrations in dogs undergoing a routine spay procedure.
Purpose of study
D-dimers are small proteins that circulate in the bloodstream after a blood clot has been formed and broken down. They can be used to identify increased risk for inappropriate blood clots. In human medicine, surgery itself has been shown to increase D-dimers without other evidence of disease. Measuring D-dimers during a routine spay could provide veterinarians with a safe and efficient way to assess the risk of blood clots before and after surgery. The way D-dimers change after surgery compared to before surgery will give valuable information on the prediction of disease compared to a normal surgical response. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in D-dimers before, immediately after, and 18-24 hours after routine canine spay procedures in healthy dogs.
Benefits
Your dog will receive extra lab evaluations before and after surgery which will become a permanent part of their medical record. The additional lab evaluations will include measurement of your dog’s red blood cell levels, kidney and liver values, and electrolytes. The information that this study generates will provide valuable knowledge about the risks of blood clots for your dog and many other dogs undergoing surgery.
Enrollment requirements
- To participate in this study, dogs must be a current patient of the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and be scheduled for a spay procedure.
- Eligible dogs must be healthy with bloodwork within normal parameters.
Treatment methods
At the time of the visit for your dog’s spay procedure, blood will be drawn 3 times: once after your dog is sedated for surgery (but before the procedure), a second time immediately after surgery, and a third time prior to your dog’s discharge the following day.
Owner responsibilities
At time of study, dogs must be a current patient of WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The owner is responsible for all required appointments and payments associated with the spay procedure.
Contact information
For more information, please contact Dr. Megan Kinnear, Clinical Pathology Resident, mkinnear@wsu.edu or Jennifer Heusser, Clinical Studies Coordinator, 509-592-3668 or jpmarcus3@wsu.edu.