Use of enoxaparin in dogs with primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia: 21 cases

• DOI: 10.1111/vec.12286
• Publication Date: 2015-03-14T11:58:50Z
• Authors: Cynthia M. Panek; Reid K. Nakamura; Domenico Bianco
• Keywords: Male; Injections, Subcutaneous; Anticoagulants; Drug Administration Schedule; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Dogs; Treatment Outcome; 0302 clinical medicine; Animals; Female; Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune; Dog Diseases; Enoxaparin; Retrospective Studies

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the complications and frequency of thrombosis associated with the use of enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, in dogs with primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).DesignRetrospective case series.SettingTwo privately owned veterinary referral hospitals.AnimalsTwenty‐one client‐owned dogs with primary IMHA.InterventionsDogs were treated with enoxaparin (0.8 mg/kg subcutaneously every 6 h) as the sole anticoagulation therapy starting at admission to the hospital.Measurements and Main ResultsOnly 2 dogs had minor hemorrhagic complications associated with enoxaparin therapy. Frequency of thrombosis was not assessed. Long‐term survival was comparable to other anticoagulation protocols reported for dogs with primary IMHA.ConclusionsThe use of enoxaparin was safe in a small group of dogs with primary IMHA. Whether enoxaparin therapy can reduce mortality and thrombotic complications in dogs with primary IMHA compared with other anticoagulation protocols remains unknown.