Forums » Oncology

• Sheri Berger

  

  • 149 posts
   

  April 3, 2014 3:29 PM EDT

  We had an inquiry from a pet owner whose dog has hemangiosarcoma (splenectomy performed several months ago) - is there any contraindication to using Fish Oil in dogs with hemangiosarcoma?  

  The basis for the question is that fish oil can affect blood coagulation / clotting ... we told them we'd ask our Oncology expert...

  Thanks in advance for any information you can offer!

• VetVine Specialty Consulting Service

  

  • 239 posts
   

  August 23, 2017 7:11 PM EDT

  Platelets play an important role in blood clotting, and decreased platelet activity has been demonstrated in humans supplemented with EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids).  

  As far as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on coagulation in animals - the results have been mixed:

  • Studies of the effects in cats have been difficult to interpret, but prolonged bleeding time and decreased platelet aggregation has been documented after supplementation for 16 weeks.  The actual dosage of omega-3 fatty acids administered in those cats was not mentioned, therefore the results are difficult to interpret
    
    
  • Studies of the effects of EPA and DHA in dogs (to date) have revealed small to no changes in platelet aggregation - none of which were considered clinically relevant
    
    
    

  References and more on the Potential Adverse Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dogs and Cats