Hyperfibrinolysis in Cats: A Retrospective Case–Control Study of 154 Cats

Background

Hyperfibrinolysis (HFL) has not been well described in cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Identify risk factors associated with HFL in cats and evaluate its association with survival. Our hypotheses were that cats share similar conditions as dogs and humans with HFL and that it is associated with a worse prognosis.

Animals

A total of 154 client-owned cats had thromboelastography (TEG) performed because of a variety of clinical conditions.

Methods

Retrospective case–control study. Cases were defined as cats with HFL (clot lysis at 30 min [LY30] ≥ 5% or clot lysis at 60 min [LY60] ≥ 10% or both) and controls were cats that had TEG performed but without HFL. Signalment, conditions that may alter fibrinolysis, TEG variables, indications to perform TEG, and outcome were recorded.

Results

Fifty-two cats (33.8%) with HFL and 102 controls (66.2%) were included. Demographic variables were similar between groups. Both liver disease (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4–10.6; p < 0.001) and the presence of cavitary effusion (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.8–12.4; p < 0.001) were important risk factors for HFL. Cats with heart disease were less likely to have HFL (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1–0.5; p < 0.001). The presence of HFL was not associated with worse outcome (p = 0.84). Cats with HFL more often were hypocoagulable, whereas cats without HFL more often were hypercoagulable (p < 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Liver disease and cavitary effusion are risk factors for HFL in cats. The presence of HFL did not affect survival.