How to Treat ITP in Dogs

Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a fairly common disease in which a dog's immune system attacks its own platelets. Platelets help the body to form blood clots and stop bleeding. This unfortunate disease can cause your pet to be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. Fortunately, the disease is treatable. Furthermore, there are multiple methods of treatment, allowing a back-up plan if one method fails to cure the disease. Keep in mind that treating a dog for a disease requires considerable expertise in addition to professional lab equipment and blood testing. Consult a veterinarian before starting your pet on any treatment regiment.

Things You'll Need

  • Prednisone
  • Vincristine
  • Azathioprine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog a 2 mg dose of prednisone for every kg of weight. For example, if your dog weighs 20 kg, administer a 40 mg dose.

    • 2

      Consult a veterinarian to measure your dog's platelet count periodically.

    • 3

      Continue administering prednisone daily until the platelet count rises above 50,000 platelets per microliter of blood.