Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Dogs

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, is a condition in which there are abnormally low blood-concentration of platelets in the dog. These platelets promote blood clotting when injury occurs to the lining of blood vessels and low platelets may result in bruising and bleeding.

  1. Symptoms

    • Spontaneous bruising and prolonged bleeding are symptoms of ITP. Other symptoms to watch out for include red spots on the whites of the eyes, gums or skin. Nose bleeds, bloody stool and bloody urine also can indicate thrombocytopenia.

    Causes

    • Low platelet count can be attributed to a variety of reasons including decreased production of platelets due to disease, vitamin b12 or folic acid deficiency, medications and other diseases that destroy platelet counts. Destruction of platelets by the immune system or the removal of platelets from circulation also will cause ITP.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnostic tests are performed to identify ITP in dogs. Complete blood counts, urinalysis and chest or abdomen x-rays are tests used to diagnose the dog. Possible bone marrow aspiration or tests involving blood clotting also will provide a diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for ITP depends on the cause of the low platelet count. You can treat the cause such as addressing a possible vitamin deficiency or treating the disease responsible for platelet destruction. Blood transfusions can be performed to increase platelet numbers but it is a temporary solution.