What are the effects of heparin on a pet (if needed and administered)?

Question

Please, informed answers only.

Answer 1

Heparin is used to prevent blood clotting (coagulating)

Answer 2

I am a paramedic in Indiana and have been for many years. I can only explain how this medication is used in humans but can be practically certain that this drug would effect warm blooded animans in a like manor. Heparin does not "thin" blood per se, it does retard clot formation of platelets (a component in the blood responsible to stop bleeding).

Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing the formation of clots and extension of existing clots within the blood. While heparin does not break down clots that have already formed, it allows the body's natural clot lysis mechanisms to work normally to break down clots that have already formed. Heparin is used for anticoagulation for the following conditions:
Acute coronary syndrome, e.g., myocardial infarction
Atrial fibrillation
Deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, amoung other things.

Heparin is a naturally occuring substance in the blood that works by interfering with the body's natural blood clotting mechanism.
Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)
High blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia)
Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) with long term use
Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)
Decreased production of aldosterone, a steroid hormone which regulates salt and water balance (hypoaldosteronism)
Presence of blood clots in the spinal cord (intra-spinal haematoma)
Hair loss (alopecia) may be experienced after prolonged use

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

This is the best that I can do. I hope it helps answer your question.

Answer 3

I would imagine it would be quite similar to the effects on humans. It is an anticoagulant. It slows down the ability of the blood to clot.

Therefore, your pet's vet will need to regularly monitor your pet’s blood work to make sure your pet is not getting too much.

You should monitor your pet for any signs of the blood being too "thin" ... those would be nose bleeds, blood in urine or stool, any bleeding that will not stop after 5-7 minutes of pressure.

Answer 4

It is a blood thinner, just depends how much was given, if too much, they could bleed out, but if a vet gave it, Im sure it was done correctly.