PARAMETERS OBTAINED BY ROTATIONAL THROMBOELASTOMETRY IN DOGS AND CATS MEDICATED WITH TRANEXAMIC ACID: CLINICAL STUDY

• Grant number: 25/20445-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Aline Magalhães Ambrósio
• Grantee: Marcos Antonio Oliveira dos Anjos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Intraoperative hemorrhage management represents a recurrent challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly during medium- and large-scale procedures. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent that inhibits plasminogen activation, holds potential to mitigate blood loss in dogs and cats; however, its real-time hemostatic effects remain scarcely documented. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) has emerged as a promising tool by enabling dynamic assessment of all coagulation phases, providing comprehensive parameters such as Clotting Time (CT), Clot Formation Time (CFT), alpha angle, Maximum Clot Firmness (MCF), and Maximum Lysis (ML).This study aims to investigate the effects of TXA in dogs and cats undergoing surgical procedures at HOVET-USP through serial ROTEM analyses performed before and after drug administration. Venous blood samples will be collected and immediately processed using the device, while blood gas variables (pH, calcium, and temperature) will be simultaneously monitored to minimize potential confounding factors.Statistical analysis will involve the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess data normality. Comparisons between time points will be performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. It is hypothesized that TXA administration will shorten coagulation and clot formation times, increase clot firmness (MCF), and exert no clinically relevant adverse effects.The findings are expected to provide evidence-based support for the rational use of TXA in small animals, contributing to the optimization of anesthetic and surgical protocols. Moreover, the results may aid in reducing the perioperative demand for blood components, thereby improving patient safety and enhancing therapeutic efficiency in veterinary practice.