EN16 - Investigating Hypercoagulability in Diabetic Dogs and Possible Omega-3 Effect

Abstract: Background: Hemostatic abnormalities in diabetic subjects result in hypercoagulability. Omega-3 is an interesting supplementation to endocrinopathies but it can impact hemostatic system.

Objectives: To compare the hemostatic parameters between healthy and diabetic dogs and to investigate impact of omega-3 supplementation on those parameters.

Animals: Seventeen healthy dogs and sixteen diabetic dogs with good glycemic control.

Methods: Healthy dogs (HE group) ate for three months the same higher-fiber extruded diet recommended to diabetic dogs. Diabetic dogs received, randomly and by a double-blind way, that higher-fiber diet (DM group) and the same extruded diet enriched with 5.0% inclusion fish oil (DMω3), for three months each period. After each period, a blood sample was collected and coagulation panel [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), plasmatic fibrinogen levels (FB), and platelet count (PC)] analysis was used to assess coagulation. Data of HE vs. DM and DM vs. DMω3 were compared using T test or Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05).

Results: There was no age difference between healthy and diabetic dogs (p = 0.86). Diabetic dogs had lower PT (p < 0.001) and aPTT (p < 0.01), and higher FB (p < 0.001) and PC (p = 0.02) than healthy dogs (table 1). Supplementation of omega-3 was approximately 142 mg EPA+DHA/kg body weight. There were no differences (p > 0.05) on coagulation panel among dogs receiving or not omega-3 (table 1).

Conclusions: Diabetic dogs had hypercoagulopathy profile and fish oil supplementation did not impact PT, aPTT, plasmatic fibrinogen level and platelet counts.