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1 December 2017 COAGULATION ASSESSMENT: UNDERUTILIZED DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS IN ZOO AND AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE
Trevor J. Gerlach, Ashley Barratclough, Bobbi Conner
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Abstract

Veterinarians specializing in nondomestic species are faced with unique challenges regarding research and diagnostic capabilities given the wild and frequently dangerous nature of their patients. Standard diagnostic techniques used in small or large animal practice are not always possible due to anatomical constraints, size, tractability, or the inherent risk of anesthesia in highly valued, rare species. Diagnostic modalities that utilize simple, relatively noninvasive techniques show promise in evaluating nondomestic species and elucidating the pathophysiology behind poorly characterized disease processes in both wild and captive populations. Coagulation profiles, which may include prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer concentration, platelet count, and thromboelastography (TEG) are frequently used in domestic species but often overlooked in exotic medicine due to lack of normal reference values and/or availability. Whenever possible, coagulation profiles should be utilized in the evaluation of various disease processes including neoplasia, sepsis, trauma, inflammation, toxin exposure, and envenomation. There are several reports of coagulopathies in both wild and captive species; however, few studies on coagulation profiles have been published on nondomestic species. Clinicians should consider coagulation testing as part of the diagnostic work-up in nondomestic species. A review of available coagulation diagnostic tests is provided here in addition to summarizing the pertinent coagulation disorders currently established in the literature.

Copyright 2017 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Trevor J. Gerlach, Ashley Barratclough, and Bobbi Conner "COAGULATION ASSESSMENT: UNDERUTILIZED DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS IN ZOO AND AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 48(4), 947-953, (1 December 2017). https://doi.org/10.1638/2016-0145R.1
Accepted: 1 May 2017; Published: 1 December 2017
KEYWORDS
Clotting profiles
Coagulation
Coagulopathy
D-dimer concentration
partial thromboplastin time
prothrombin time
thromboelastography
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