How to Raise Low Platelet Count in Dogs

Low platelet counts in dogs, also called thrombocytopenia, is an extremely dangerous condition. Platelets are blood cells that promote clotting after an injury to the blood lining occurs. When the concentration of platelets is low, bruising and spontaneous bleeding can occur. How to raise the low platelet count depends on what is causing the condition.

Instructions

    • 1

      Visit a veterinarian so that he can perform diagnostic testing to determine what condition is causing your dog's low platelet count. Treatment varies upon what the underlying problem is, therefore, it is essential to know what is causing the thrombocytopenia.

    • 2

      Administer antibiotics, if the low platelet count is due to an infection. Tetracyclines are most commonly prescribed because of their effectiveness against bacterial agents called rickettsia, which can cause thrombocytopenia.

    • 3

      Give your dog corticosteriods if the thrombocytopenia is caused by an immune-related problem. These drugs typically stop the immune system from destroying platelets.

    • 4

      Perform a blood transfusion, if the platelets are extremely low and your dog's life is in danger because of it.