The Activated Clotting Time (ACT) is a point-of-care test used to assess the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade in dogs. It measures the time it takes for whole blood to clot after activation with a contact activator (e.g., diatomaceous earth or celite).
Key Points About ACT in Dogs
Indications:
Screening for severe coagulopathies (e.g., hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC]).
Monitoring heparin therapy (especially during procedures like cardiac bypass or hemodialysis).
Evaluating hepatic disease or congenital clotting factor deficiencies.
Normal Range for Dogs:
60–110 seconds (varies slightly by lab and activator used).
Prolonged ACT suggests a clotting factor deficiency (e.g., factors VIII, IX, XI, XII) or anticoagulant presence (e.g., heparin).
Procedure:
Collect fresh whole blood (non-heparinized syringe).
Mix with an activator (e.g., celite, kaolin).
Incubate at 37°C (or body temperature).
Measure time until visible clot formation.
Causes of Prolonged ACT:
Heparin therapy (most common).
Severe factor deficiencies (e.g., hemophilia A/B).
DIC (consumption of clotting factors).
Liver disease (impaired factor synthesis).
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) may sometimes affect ACT (if severe).
Limitations:
Less sensitive than aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time).
Affected by thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction.
Not specific—further tests (e.g., PT/aPTT, factor assays) are needed for diagnosis.
Clinical Use in Dogs
Pre-surgical screening in breeds prone to bleeding disorders (e.g., Dobermans with VWD).
Heparin monitoring (target ACT usually 1.5–2.5x baseline for therapeutic anticoagulation).
======================================
#ActivatedClottingTime, #ACTinDogs, #CanineACT, #DogClottingTime, #VetDiagnostics, #BloodClotting, #CanineBloodTest, #DogHealth, #PetHealth, #VeterinaryMedicine, #VetMed, #VetLife, #VetTech, #AnimalHealth, #Coagulation, #BleedingDisorders, #VonWillebrandsDisease, #HemophiliaInDogs, #DICinDogs, #PreOpTesting, #EmergencyVet, #CriticalCareVet, #DogCare, #VetNurse, #BloodWork, #VetStudent, #CanineWellness, #PetWellness, #DogVet, #VetLab
Add comment