Coagulation profiles of healthy Andalusian donkeys are different than those of healthy horses.

The research article examines the differences in coagulation profiles between healthy Andalusian donkeys and horses. The findings revealed significant deviations in the usual coagulation parameters, which could lead to potential misdiagnosis and improper treatments if the universal equine references were utilized for both species.

Objective and Methods of the Study

• The main objective of this study was to ascertain whether the standard coagulation parameters used in equine practice vary between healthy donkeys and horses. This was prompted by a lack of established hemostatic reference intervals specifically for donkeys, despite common incidences of diagnosed coagulation disorders in equidae, which often result in escalated morbidity and mortality.
• The researchers used blood samples from thirty-eight healthy donkeys and twenty-nine healthy horses to carry out the investigation. They assessed both the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems by measuring the platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, clotting times (prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]), and concentrations of fibrin degradation products (FDP) and D-Dimers.

Results of the Research

• The study found significant differences in PT and aPTT between donkeys and horses. Specifically, PT and aPTT times in donkeys were notably shorter than in horses. These clotting times are crucial components of the coagulation process, influencing how quickly the blood ceases to flow. Depending on the species, these periods may naturally vary.
• In contrast, the concentrations of FDP and D-Dimers were significantly higher in donkeys than in horses. Both FDPs and D-Dimers are products of fibrin degradation, a process of dissolving blood clots. A higher concentration of these products might suggest a more active or faster fibrinolytic system in donkeys, responsible for the prevention of blood clots.

Conclusion and Implications of the Study

• The research revealed that the most commonly evaluated coagulation parameters in equine practice demonstrated significant differences between donkeys and horses. The utilization of normal reference ranges initially reported for healthy horses could result in a significant diagnostic and therapeutic misstep if applied to donkeys.
• This study represents the first report of normal coagulation profile outcomes in donkeys and highlights the necessity for further examination to understand the physiological mechanisms driving these differences between donkeys and horses. This can lead to better-tailored care and treatment strategies for these two species.