Anticoagulant effects of inhaled unfractionated heparin in the dog

Heparin has both anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties. Heparin is usually administered by the intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) route, but can be given by inhalation. The anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant benefits of inhaled heparin have been evaluated in people with both acute and chronic lung diseases. Inhaled heparin appears to have a more rapid onset of systemic anticoagulant activity and longer duration of action in people compared to heparin given by the SQ route. Intravenous and SQ unfractionated heparin have been thoroughly evaluated in dogs and have similar pharmacokinetic properties to those observed in people.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research