The mainstay of treatment for ITP
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Abnormally low levels of platelets (blood cells that control bleeding).
How is immune mediated thrombocytopenia treated in dogs?
- Full CBC and chemistry panel
- Chest-xrays
- Packed cell volume (PCV) blood testing several times a day in house
- SNAP 4DX in-house tick testing*
- Abdominal ultrasounds to check for internal bleeding
- Blood draw for serum to send out for tick titers
- Platelet checks once or twice daily
- Urinalysis and bacterial culture of the urine
How to treat thrombocytopenia in dogs?
Treatment for thrombocytopenia in dogs depends on the underlying cause. In cases where the platelet count is so low that it becomes life-threatening, a dog may need a blood transfusion.
What are home remedies for thrombocytopenia?
Sources of natural folate include:
- peanuts
- black-eyed peas
- kidney beans
- oranges
- orange juice
How to raise my dog's low platelet count?
How to raise my dog 's platelets at home: Give them natural coconut water, which helps to increase platelets due to its content of vitamin A, C, iron, potassium and calcium. This drink is also suitable for dogs , so you can safely give it to them. It is also recommended to keep your dog at home for a few days.
Can immune-mediated thrombocytopenia be cured in dogs?
The prognosis for ITP ranges from good to guarded. Although almost 80 percent of dogs with this disorder will recover, that means that another 20 percent are either euthanized or die because of the disease. Several factors have been shown to effect prognosis.
How long can a dog live with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia?
A recent study of 45 dogs by Simpson et al (2018), following cases up to 1 year after diagnosis, stated a mortality rate of 11.9%. They reported 89.6% survived to discharge and 31% of those relapsed, within an average of 79 days after successful treatment.
What is the treatment for ITP in dogs?
The mainstay of treatment for ITP is immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy, usually given as prednisone starting at 2 mg/kg/day (or 30 mg/m2 for larger-breed dogs). This dose is gradually reduced once the platelet count has returned to normal, typically with dose reductions of 25% every two to four weeks.
Is IMT in dogs fatal?
IMT generally responds to treatment, but it can be fatal. For pets who survive, relapses commonly occur. Your veterinarian may recommend periodic recheck examinations and frequent repeat bloodwork for the life of your pet to help identify and treat relapses early.
What triggers ITP in dogs?
ITP is caused by an autoimmune attack against the dog's own platelets, and usually the initial cause of this is unknown. It can be a primary problem or a secondary problem, triggered by other diseases. In the case of a dog with abnormal bleeding, your vet will need to run some tests to establish the cause.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from thrombocytopenia?
Results: A total of 45 dogs were diagnosed, treated and monitored for at least one year for presumed primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. 89∙6% of patients survived to discharge and 31% of those experienced a relapse following discharge. The median time from diagnosis to relapse was 79 days.
What are symptoms of immune mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs?
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys its platelets....Clinical SignsDepression.Listlessness.Panting.Decreased appetite.Weakness.Reluctance to exercise.
Does prednisone increase platelets in dogs?
Results: Dogs that received prednisone and vincristine had a significantly faster increase in platelet count to > or = 40,000 platelets/microl than dogs that received prednisone alone (mean +/- SD, 4.9 +/- 1.1 vs 6.8 +/- 4.5 days, respectively).
How do you increase platelets in a dog?
Vitamin C helps your platelets group together and function efficiently. It also assists your pet to absorb iron, which may also help to increase platelet counts. Good sources of vitamin C include: foods that are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, and are palatable include broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and spinach.
How long does it take for steroids to increase platelets?
Corticosteroids ("steroids") — Steroids prevent bleeding by decreasing the production of antibodies against platelets. If effective, the platelet count will rise within two to four weeks of starting steroids. Side effects include irritability, stomach irritation, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, mood changes and acne.
Does thrombocytopenia go away?
Key points about immune thrombocytopenic purpura ITP may happen suddenly and go away in about 6 months. Or it may be ongoing (chronic) and last for years. Treatment options include medicines that can reduce platelet destruction or help the body make more platelets. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen is needed.
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia in dogs?
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a serious condition and if you see any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for a thorough physical exam and testing. Abnormally rapid breathing. Weakness.
How to tell if a dog has thrombocytopenia?
Symptoms of Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia in Dogs 1 Abnormally rapid breathing 2 Weakness 3 Lethargy 4 Bruising 5 Bleeding from the gums 6 Bleeding from the nose 7 Tarry stools 8 Pale gums 9 Difficulty breathing 10 Anorexia or lack of appetite 11 Sudden death
What is the disease of a dog that attacks his own platelets?
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs attacks the dog’s own blood platelets and is a very serious disease. Antibodies will bind to the surface of platelets causing the affected platelets to prematurely destruct. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
What is the name of the disease where the antibodies attack the platelet membrane?
Also known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disorder where the antibodies attack portions of the platelet membrane. There is no underlying disease causing the immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
What is the diagnosis of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia?
Diagnosing immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a process of elimination and determining the cause of the symptoms. Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist for a definitive diagnosis and specialized treatment plan.
Why do we need a venipuncture for blood samples?
Blood samples will be collected by atraumatic venipuncture to prevent the activation of clotting factors or minimize platelet clumping. Confirmation based on a CBC test and blood smear examination can be done if the immune-mediated thrombocytopenia has progressed to the point of rapid platelet depletion.
What to do if my dog has a medical history?
An evaluation of your dog’s medical history will help determine if there are any recent changes such as new medications or vaccinations. Try to give your veterinarian as much information as possible, including daily routines, recent traveling and changes in activities.
What test can help rule out thrombocytopenia?
Additional diagnostic tests can help rule in or rule out diseases that affect platelets. Because platelets come from the bone marrow, examining a bone marrow sample under the microscope may help determine if the cause of thrombocytopenia is due to an issue with platelet production.
How to diagnose platelet disease in animals?
Diagnosing an animal with platelet disease begins with a thorough history and physical examination. A blood sample will be obtained to perform a platelet count. A count from a machine is not enough to confirm a low count because platelets may clump together in a blood sample causing it to seem low artificially.
Why are platelets important?
Their purpose is to assist with coagulation (the arrest of bleeding due to clot formation).
Why does the immune system destroy platelets?
Secondary ITP: The immune system destroys platelets because of underlying disease. Predisposing factors: drug administration, infection (especially tick-borne diseases), cancer, or other disorders. It is important to remember that immune-mediated disease is not the only potential cause of thrombocytopenia.
What is the medication that increases platelets?
Vincristine: This is a chemotherapy medication that can cause a temporary increase the number of platelets. Intravenous immunoglobulin: A blood product containing antibodies can cause a short-lived reprieve from rapid platelet destruction in some animals.
How long does it take for a dog to relapse?
Typically, the first relapse will occur within a year of the initial diagnosis. Steroids are the mainstay of treatment for managing ITP, however these drugs are associated with several side effects.
Can steroids cause ITP?
They will often exhibit increased thirst and urination. Administration of an excessive dose of steroids can lead to other disorders, too, therefore requiring careful monitoring. Additionally, although suppressing the immune system will help manage the ITP, it will also make the animal more susceptible to infections.
What is IMTP in medical terms?
What is IMTP? Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMTP) is a condition where the body’s immune system, which normally fights infection, starts to damage and destroy platelets.
What are the signs of a dog bleeding?
In some dogs signs specific to the location where bleeding has occurred can be present. For example if bleeding occurs in the brain then neurological signs can develop. If a large quantity of blood is lost resulting in anaemia then signs of this can develop which would include: Pale gums. A fast heart rate.
Why do we need transfusions?
A transfusion can help to stabilise the patient while further investigations are performed, and it gives time for treatment of the IMTP to start working. In patients where an underlying trigger factor for IMTP is identified, this condition also needs to be treated if possible.
What is the best test for IMTP?
Other blood tests will be carried out to check general body organ function, and urine tests will often be performed to check for any evidence of urinary tract infection. Advanced imaging of the chest and abdomen is frequently recommended for patients with suspected IMTP.
Is IMTP a primary cause?
In most dogs IMTP occurs without any underlying cause. In this situation it is referred to as primary (or idiopathic) IMTP. However, in other cases there is an underlying reason or trigger factor that results in the body damaging and destroying platelets, and this is termed secondary IMTP.
What is IMTP in dogs?
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP) is one of the more common immune-mediated diseases in small animal practice, especially in dogs. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP) is one of the more common immune-mediated diseases in small animal practice, especially in dogs. However, in surveys of thrombocytopenic dogs in ...
Why is it important to distinguish between thrombocytopenia and IMTP?
This distinction is important because it carries diagnostic implications for the affected patient. Mechanisms of thrombocytopenia. There are several general mechanisms that cause thrombocytopenia in dogs and cats, and exclusion of these mechanisms and their causes is a key component to the diagnosis of IMTP.
What is IMTP in medical terms?
IMTP is usually an idiopathic immune-mediated disease with no known trigger or predisposing cause identified. At heart, IMTP is an example of a type II hypersensitivity reaction in which antibodies are formed against a platelet antigen. The attachment of antibody to the platelet directs the platelet's destruction by cells ...
What is the treatment for IMTP?
Treatment of IMTP. Patients with IMTP need to be treated with immunosuppressive drugs. There have been no studies that establish the best treatment approach, so protocols are largely established by personal experience and the experience of others.
Why is it important to have a travel history for IMTP?
Travel history in the candidate patient is important to assess the possibility of infectious disease (e.g. Ehrlichia canis) that can travel well in dogs.
What are the findings of a thrombocytopenic patient?
Other physical examination findings that should be viewed with suspicion in the thrombocytopenic patient include heart murmurs, especially known new murmurs (endocarditis), peripheral edema or erythema (vasculitis), lymph node enlargement (neoplastic or infectious disease), or other masses (neoplasia).
Is PT normal with IMTP?
In patients with IMTP, PT and PTT should be normal, and d-dimers or FDPs should be normal or be present in low concentrations. Under ideal circumstances, the abdomen and thorax of patients suspected of having IMTP should be imaged to exclude occult neoplasia or infections as a possible cause of thrombocytopenia.
Canine immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) is a common disease in dogs. Primary IMT is idiopathic, while secondary IMT can result from a variety of infectious agents or some treatments. Symptoms may include lethargy, anorexia and mild pyrexia, together with a low platelet count and associated bleeding disorders.
Subscribe to get full access to The Veterinary Nurse
Thank you for vising The Veterinary nurse and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the leading peer-reviewed journal for veterinary nurses, you can start your subscription today for just £26.
What is IMT in pets?
IMT refers to immune-mediated destruction of platelets. Before I lose you, it’s this simple: Platelets help in the clotting of blood for our pets as well as for ourselves. If you didn’t have platelets, a small bruise could be a disaster. Platelets help to seal up a blood vessel and stop the bleeding and the bruising.
What is itp in medical terms?
A mouthful of a disease. It’s also called immune-mediated thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). As frustrating as the crazy names of this disease are, the disease is even more frustrating to treat.
Why do platelets help?
Platelets help to seal up a blood vessel and stop the bleeding and the bruising. In immune-mediated destruction of platelets, a body (whether dog, cat or human) attacks its own platelets. The body views this fantastic little platelet as an enemy and destroys it. This destruction must be stopped in order to survive.
Can a dog stop taking prednisone?
It is usually treated with high doses of corticosteroids (prednisone, for example), which have many side effects. If the treatment begins to work and the disease goes into remission, we have to be careful about stopping treatment too soon. The pet can stop treatment, but the disease could return after remission.