A frequent complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is blood clot formation, typically obstructing blood flow in the aorta. The most frequently recommended therapies to combat this problem are warfarin, aspirin, and unfractionated heparin. Our knowledge of the effects of these drugs in cats, one of which is hemorrhage, is incomplete. In human medicine, low molecular weight heparin is recommended for prevention of blood clots, with the benefits of decreased monitoring and lower risk of hemorrhage compared to other drugs.
This study will compare the effects of two low molecular weight heparins, unfractionated heparin, and a placebo in normal cats. The researchers will monitor a series of blood tests. These tests include the traditional blood clotting tests and two newer methods to monitor clotting activity. One of these tests has not been validated in cats; therefore, this validation represents the first phase of the study. The second phase of the study will evaluate the effects of the low molecular weight heparins, unfractionated heparin and placebo on blood clotting in healthy cats.
This study will provide invaluable information regarding how these drugs work in the cat, as well as vital information in further studies evaluating heparin use in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. (Ricky Fund Study)