Platelet aggregation in dogs with mitral valve regurgitation

OBJECTIVE: To compare platelet aggregation in healthy dogs and dogs with mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) to determine whether regurgitation had an effect on platelet function. ANIMALS: 32 dogs with MVR and 43 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: Platelet aggregation was measured with an aggregometer, using adenosine 5'-diphosphate as the aggregating agent, and the maximum aggregation and the enhancement of platelet sensitivity (EPS) values were calculated. RESULTS: Platelet count and maximum aggregation were not significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with MVR. However, EPS values in dogs with MVR were significantly higher than values in healthy dogs. Platelet count and maximum aggregation were not significantly different between dogs classified as New York Heart Association functional class I or II and dogs classified as functional class III or IV; however, EPS values were significantly higher in dogs classified as functional class III or IV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that platelet aggregation is decreased in dogs with MVR and that the EPS value may be more sensitive to differences in disease severity than in measurement of maximum aggregation.