The use of thrombolytic agents

Thrombi and thromboemboli are organized fibrin clots that may result in partial or total occlusion of arterial or venous blood flow. Consequences of occlusion of blood flow vary with the organ affected. Thrombolytic agents have been used for the dissolution of pathologic thrombi since the 1980s.While similar in their mechanisms of action and side effects, these agents differ in their specificity for fibrin and duration of activity Newer thrombolytic agents have been developed to improve clot dissolution and minimize side effects.Their use in veterinary medicine has been reported, but guidelines for such use have not been published.