Canine thrombocytopenia is a disease caused by a decrease in platelets. Clinically, the main characteristics are widespread diffuse bleeding spots and bruise spots on the skin and mucous membranes of dogs.

Causes of thrombocytopenia:

1. It is related to autoimmune diseases in some dogs (such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.).

2. Certain cytotoxic chemicals (such as nitrogen mustard, butyl methanesulfonate, mercaptopurine and cyclophosphamide, etc.) can destroy megakaryocytes that produce platelets.

3. Certain diseases (such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, etc.) can cause thrombocytopenia due to the infiltration of tumor cells in the bone marrow or the loss of normal bone marrow components.

4. In addition, thrombocytopenia may also occur in splenomegaly caused by granuloma, tumor, infarction, and unexplained generalized splenomegaly.

5. Caused by some autosomal dominant genetic diseases (such as von Willebrand's disease).

Symptoms of thrombocytopenia

1. Blood spots and congestion spots suddenly appear on the dog’s skin and mucous membranes, which may be accompanied by nosebleeds, melena, hematuria, and bleeding areas. Difficulty in blood coagulation, skin bruising and hematoma. Dogs with severe anemia have pale, weak, and even swollen mucous membranes.

2. Platelet count examination, if the platelet count is less than 20×109/L, it can indirectly remind you of thrombocytopenia.

Treatment of thrombocytopenia

1. If the dog develops iatrogenic purpura due to long-term use of a certain drug, the suspected drug should be stopped first and dexamethasone should be taken orally ( 0.25～0.5mg/kgbw·day), or prednisolone (2～4mg/kgbw·day). At the same time, corticosteroids can be used, which can relieve symptoms of most immune thrombocytopenia, but may relapse. If steroid drugs are ineffective, anti-metabolite drugs such as vincristine and cyclophosphamide may be effective.

2. Blood transfusion is a good treatment method.

Notes

1. Drugs that reduce platelet function, such as aspirin, phenylbutazone, etc., are prohibited.

2. For dogs suspected of having hereditary thrombocytopenia, monitoring should be strengthened during breeding selection to prevent the generation of affected offspring.