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Comparison of unfractioned and low molecular weight heparin for prophylaxis of coagulopathies in 52 horses with colic: a randomised double-blind clinical trial.
Abstract: Unfractioned heparin (UFH) is widely used for prophylaxis of coagulation disorders, especially in colic-affected horses. However, it is accompanied by certain side effects. Objective: To compare the efficacy and side effects of unfractioned and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in horses with colic. Methods: The study was carried out as a randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Fifty-two horses with colic were treated subcutaneously with either UFH (heparin calcium, 150 iu/kg bwt initially, followed by 125 iu/kg bwt q. 12 h for 3 days and then 100 iu/kg bwt q. 12 h) or LMWH (dalteparin, 50 iu/kg bwt q. 24 h). All horses underwent daily physical examination including assessment of jugular veins, local reaction to heparin injections, haematological evaluation and coagulation profiles over up to 9 days. Results: The type of heparin used did not affect the general behaviour and condition. There were significantly more jugular vein changes in horses treated with UFH. Packed cell volume decreased significantly within the first few days of UFH treatment, but did not change significantly in horses treated with LMWH. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) were prolonged in horses treated with UFH but not in those treated with LMWH. Conclusions: It was concluded that, in comparison to UFH, LMWH has markedly fewer side effects in horses. Conclusions: Therefore, LMWH is recommended for prophylaxis of coagulation disorders in colic patients.
Publication Date: 2003-07-24 PubMed ID: 12875331DOI: 10.2746/042516403775600514Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Clinical Trial
- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
Summary
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The research article presents results of a clinical trial comparing the efficacy and side effects of two types of heparin – unfractioned heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) – used for preventing blood clotting disorders in horses suffering from colic. The findings suggest that LMWH causes significantly fewer side effects in horses, making it a recommended option for such prophylaxis in colic-affected patients.
Objective and Methodology of the Study
- The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and side effects of two different types of heparin: Unfractioned Heparin (UFH) and Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) in treating horses with colic.
- Using a randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial design, 52 horses with colic were administered either UFH or LMWH subcutaneously (under the skin). The dosage varied depending on the type of heparin and was gradually reduced over time in case of UFH.
- Physical examination of the horses was carried out daily, which also included assessment of their jugular veins, reaction to heparin injections, and a detailed haematological evaluation. Coagulation profiles of the horses were monitored for up to 9 days.
Findings of the Study
- The type of heparin used had no effect on the general behavior and overall condition of the horses.
- However, horses treated with UFH showed a significant increase in jugular vein changes and a noticeable decrease in packed cell volume within the first few days. None of these changes were observed in horses treated with LMWH.
- Progressive prolongation of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Thrombin Time (TT) – both being indicators of blood’s capacity to clot – was observed in horses treated with UFH, but it did not occur in those treated with LMWH.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that, compared to UFH, LMWH shows significantly fewer side effects in horses and is thus a recommended choice for preventing coagulation disorders in horses with colic.
- The results of this trial may guide veterinary clinicians in selecting a safer and more effective prophylactic alternative for horses suffering from coagulation disorders linked with colic.
Cite This Article
APA
Feige K, Schwarzwald CC, Bombeli T.
(2003).
Comparison of unfractioned and low molecular weight heparin for prophylaxis of coagulopathies in 52 horses with colic: a randomised double-blind clinical trial.
Equine Vet J, 35(5), 506-513.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516403775600514 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, University Animal Hospital, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anticoagulants / adverse effects
- Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
- Blood Coagulation Disorders / prevention & control
- Blood Coagulation Disorders / veterinary
- Colic / blood
- Colic / complications
- Colic / veterinary
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Hematocrit / veterinary
- Heparin / adverse effects
- Heparin / therapeutic use
- Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / adverse effects
- Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
- Horse Diseases / blood
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Jugular Veins / drug effects
- Jugular Veins / pathology
- Male
- Partial Thromboplastin Time / veterinary
- Thrombin Time / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Honoré ML, Pihl TH, Busk-Anderson TM, Flintrup LL, Nielsen LN. Investigation of two different human d-dimer assays in the horse. BMC Vet Res 2022 Jun 15;18(1):227.
- Lovett AL, Gilliam LL, Sykes BW, McFarlane D. Thromboelastography in obese horses with insulin dysregulation compared to healthy controls. J Vet Intern Med 2022 May;36(3):1131-1138.
- Corda A, Columbano N, Secchi V, Scanu A, Parpaglia MLP, Careddu GM, Passino ES. Use of saline contrast ultrasonography in the diagnosis of complete jugular vein occlusion in a horse. Open Vet J 2020 Oct;10(3):308-316.
- Taylor S. A review of equine sepsis. Equine Vet Educ 2015 Feb;27(2):99-109.
- Stokol T, Serpa PBS, Brooks MB, Divers T, Ness S. Subcutaneous Administration of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin to Horses Inhibits Ex Vivo Equine Herpesvirus Type 1-Induced Platelet Activation. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:106.
- Shaw SD, Stämpfli H. Diagnosis and Treatment of Undifferentiated and Infectious Acute Diarrhea in the Adult Horse. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2018 Apr;34(1):39-53.
- Stokol T, Serpa PBS, Zahid MN, Brooks MB. Unfractionated and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin and the Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors, IBMX and Cilostazol, Block Ex Vivo Equid Herpesvirus Type-1-Induced Platelet Activation. Front Vet Sci 2016;3:99.
- Bäumer W, Herrling GM, Feige K. Pharmacokinetics and thrombolytic effects of the recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in horses. BMC Vet Res 2013 Aug 9;9:158.
- Dias DP, de Lacerda Neto JC. Jugular thrombophlebitis in horses: a review of fibrinolysis, thrombus formation, and clinical management. Can Vet J 2013 Jan;54(1):65-71.
- Davis HA, Munsterman A. Ileal impaction and jejunal enterotomy in a 4-month-old Arabian filly. Can Vet J 2012 Jan;53(1):71-4.
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