In dogs, low platelet levels is a condition referred to as thrombocytopenia. It occurs as a secondary condition, following primary issues such as cancer or an infection. Healthy dogs typically have more than 600,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Dogs with thrombocytopenia have fewer than 40,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
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Causes
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Canine thrombocytopenia can be caused by an autoimmune disease that causes premature destruction of the platelets in the blood stream or in the spleen. It can also occur when the bone marrow does not produce adequate levels of platelets, and by chemotherapy, certain medications and various other diseases or infections.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of thrombocytopenia in dogs include lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, sclera (small red spots on the whites of the eyes), bruises, epistaxis (nose bleeds), blood in the urine or stool and prolonged bleeding following an injury.
Diagnosis
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To diagnose canine thrombocytopenia, the veterinarian might perform a physical exam or urinalysis, take X-rays or a biopsy of bone marrow, or conduct blood or immune system tests.
Treatment
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Treatment for canine thrombocytopenia will vary based on the underlying cause. For example, if thrombocytopenia is occurring due to an autoimmune disease, then immunosuppressants will be used.
Prognosis
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Due to the variety of causes of thrombocytopenia, the prognosis for a dog can vary greatly. In some cases, thrombocytopenia will clear up when the primary condition is treated. For others, thrombocytopenia can be a life-threatening condition.
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