Comparison between a continuous rate infusion protocol and an accelerated dosing protocol using tissue plasminogen activator for thrombolysis in cats and dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term therapeutic effects and adverse events (AEs) associated with the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the treatment of acute-onset aortic thrombotic disease (ATD) in cat and dogs. The ATD patients (13 cats and 5 dogs) with acute-onset hind limb paresis were categorized for either continuous rate infusion protocol (group A) or accelerated dosing protocol (group B), then divided further into low-dose and high-dose groups. Patients were randomly selected to receive tPA. Limb score and 48-hour survival rate did not differ significantly.

between groups A and B (p = 0.0584 and 1, respectively). However, regardless of the method of administration, high-dose groups were superior to low-dose groups in regard to limb score reduction and 48-hour survival rate. AEs due to tPA administration occurred in 41.7% of patients who displayed azotemia, bleeding, reperfusion injury, and seizure. Finally, the percentage of patients who survived and were discharged was 12.5% in low-dose groups and 77.8% in high-dose groups. These findings lead us to believe that thrombolysis using tPA may be useful, depending on the treatment protocol.