2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

These results indicate that relative expression of BAFF mRNA is increased significantly and specifically in dogs with pITP compared to both healthy dogs and dogs with other causes of thrombocytopenia, similar to previous findings in people. Thus, BAFF may be a useful biomarker to distinguish dogs with pITP from those with other causes of thrombocytopenia. Using these primers our group has also identified a canine macrophage cell line (030-D) that expresses BAFF and is utilizing them for protein identification and quantitation as well as further characterization of BAFF mRNA splice variants. In dogs, the antiplatelet drugs aspirin (ASA) and clopidogrel may be used in an effort to prevent thromboembolism. Response to these drugs might be variable as in humans, therefore platelet function testing may be warranted to monitor treatment effect. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ASA, clopidogrel, or combination therapy, in healthy laboratory Beagles using three platelet function tests: Multiplate Analyzer (MP), Platelet Function Analyzer-200 (PFA), and Plateletworks (PW). Secondary goals were comparison of PW using two hematology analyzers: Vetscan HM5 (using impedance) and ADVIA 2120 (using flow cytometry); and evaluation of the novel INNOVANCE P2Y cartridge for PFA to evaluate clopidogrel-induced platelet inhibition.