Use of a test for proteins induced by vitamin K absence or antagonism in diagnosis of anticoagulant poisoning in dogs: 325 cases (1987–1997)

Abstract

The PIVKA test with a 150-second critical value is diagnostically useful for distinguishing anticoagulant poisoning from other coagulopathies. Severe liver disease can cause false-positive results. Administration of vitamin K1 or early evaluation (within a few hours of ingesting anticoagulant) may cause false-negative results. Dogs with PIVKA test values > 150 seconds and clinical signs of anticoagulant poisoning can confidently be considered to have anticoagulant poisoning because of the high test sensitivity and specificity.

Evaluation of a point‐of‐care coagulation analyzer (Abaxis VSPro) for identification of coagulopathies in dogs

“…Coagulopathies in dogs are commonly encountered in general practice and in emergency and critical care settings. They can occur secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity, systemic diseases such as hepatic failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, intestinal malabsorption, immune‐mediated disease, pancreatitis, neoplasia, infection, and congenital coagulation factor deficiencies . Rapid and accurate coagulation monitoring is essential for dogs that present with active bleeding.…”

Anticoagulant rodenticide screening in dogs: 123 cases (1996–2003)

“…18 Proteins induced by vitamin K antagonism were previously thought to offer a quick and reliable way to distinguish between AR intoxication and other causes of severe coagulopathy, but have since been shown to be elevated with other disease processes, particularly severe liver disease. 19,20 The AR screening does not allow for misinterpretation, since there are no acceptable concentrations of AR in dogs unless they are receiving coumadin treatment. A positive result means that the animal has had exposure to and absorption of some quantity of AR.…”

A rodenticide exposed and bleeding Beagle dog with hereditary factor VII deficiency

“…In the veterinary literature, it has been suggested by some that the PIVKA test is diagnostic for anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning, which is incorrect 8 . The name of this test does suggest the measurement of PIVKA, which would be increased by vitamin K antagonism or deficiency.…”