Thrombocytopenia

 

What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in the number of platelets or thrombocytes circulating in the blood.

Platelets are fragments of cytoplasm of cells called megakaryocytes that are produced in the bone marrow. Platelets are an important factor in the blood clotting mechanism, so thrombocytopenia can lead to spontaneous bleeding.

Any severe or prolonged blood loss, increased internal destruction of platelets, or impaired bone marrow production can lead to short-term (acute) or longer term (chronic) deficiency of platelets.

Many diseases have thrombocytopenia as one component of the condition. For example many serious infections, neoplasia (cancer), immune system disorders, pancreatitis, and various drug therapies such as some anti-cancer treatments can result in thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia is quite common. Some surveys have shown as many as 5% of all dogs admitted to veterinary hospitals are platelet-deficient.

A blood test is used. Platelet counts of less than 20,000 to 30,000 per microliter of blood make spontaneous hemorrhage likely. Additional diagnostic tests are used to investigate the underlying causes of the problem.

If the blood loss is acute, a blood transfusion may be required. Treatments are primarily aimed at the underlying causes of the problem.

Yes, if platelet function is impaired. This occurs with a number of drugs including some antibiotics; there are also inherited platelet defects. One of the best known is von Willebrand’s Disease (see separate topic). Examples of congenital platelet defects also occur in Otterhounds, Great Pyrenees, American Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds. Diagnosis requires tests of platelet function. There are no specific treatments other than transfusions as needed.

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