Desmopressin dose-dependently shortens buccal mucosal bleeding time and increases Factor VIII in anesthetized dogs

Improving primary hemostasis is crucial in surgical settings to prevent excessive bleeding. Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is a synthetic vasopressin analog known to enhance hemostasis by increasing circulating Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels. While its effects are recognized in humans, its utility and specific effects on bleeding parameters in anesthetized canine patients undergoing procedures, where hemostatic challenges can arise, remain less understood. This study addresses this gap by evaluating DDAVP's impact on a key measure of primary hemostasis in dogs.

Twenty-seven healthy Beagle dogs were randomized into four groups under isoflurane anesthesia. Groups received either intravenous saline (control; n = 8) or DDAVP at 0.6 µg/kg (n = 7), 1.2 µg/kg (n = 6), or 1.8 µg/kg (n = 6). The primary endpoint, buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), was measured 30 minutes post-administration. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes to assess FVIII antigen (FVIII:Ag), complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and electrolytes. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were also monitored.

At 30 minutes post-administration, BMBT values showed a clear dose-dependent reduction. The control group exhibited a median BMBT of 128.2 seconds (92.1-157.7). In contrast, the 0.6 µg/kg DDAVP group had 105.2 seconds (72.4-122.0), the 1.2 µg/kg group had 74.1 seconds (58.6-101.8), and the 1.8 µg/kg group had the shortest BMBT at 47.2 seconds (44.4-76.1). BMBT was significantly shorter in the 1.2 µg/kg and 1.8 µg/kg groups compared to controls (p < 0.05), and the 1.8 µg/kg group was also significantly shorter than the 0.6 µg/kg group (p < 0.05).