What causes ITP blood 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.
What breed of dog is affected by ITP?
Any breed, sex or age of dog can be affected by ITP. It seems to be more common in middle aged, female dogs, particularly Cocker Spaniels, Old English Sheepdogs, Miniature and Toy Poodles. People often worry that the ITP has been triggered by recent vaccination, as this link has been established in humans (although is exceedingly rare).
What are the signs of ITP in dogs?
In dogs with ITP the most common clinical signs are associated with bleeding. Because clots are constantly being formed to prevent bleeding, even when no obvious trauma has occurred, dogs usually show signs of bleeding even without injuring themselves.
What causes immune thrombocytopenia in dogs?
Primary ITP: Occurs without an identifiable underlying cause, and is likely due to a defect in the immune system. Common in dogs, rare in cats.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count in dogs?
Decreases in platelets may be caused by anti-platelet antibodies, drugs, toxins, or disorders of the bone marrow. Conditions that consume a large number of platelets (such as massive bleeding or severe clotting disorders) can also deplete platelet numbers.
Is ITP in dogs curable?
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.
How long can a dog live with ITP?
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.
Is ITP common in dogs?
ITP and IMHA frequently occur in dogs, and most affected dogs are middle-aged females. Primary ITP and IMHA is extremely rare in cats.
What triggers ITP?
Immune thrombocytopenia usually happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are cell fragments that help blood clot. In adults, this may be triggered by infection with HIV , hepatitis or H. pylori — the type of bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
What foods should you avoid with ITP?
Eat Less...Canned and frozen foods and leftovers. The nutritional value of food deteriorates with time.White flour, white rice and processed foods. ... Hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated or trans-fats. ... Sugar. ... Dairy products. ... Meat. ... Alcoholic beverages. ... Foods that can interfere with blood clotting.More items...
How do you take care of a dog with ITP?
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.
Can tick bite cause low platelets in dogs?
Two to four weeks after experiencing the bite of an infected tick, a subclinical infection can set in, causing thrombocytopenia. That $5 word means that the dog doesn't have enough platelets in his blood. When that happens, he can experience bleeding into body tissues (known as petechiae) and bruising.
How can I raise my dogs platelets?
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.
Can stress cause IMHA in dogs?
In dogs, neoplasia or cancer appears to be the most common cause of secondary AIHA. Stressful events on the body may trigger AIHA if underlying secondary causes are already present. "With secondary AIHA, the surface of the red blood cells becomes altered by an underlying disease process or a toxin."
How quickly do platelets regenerate dog?
Decreased platelet production: Platelets are produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and are actually fragments of the megakaryocyte cytoplasm. The normal lifespan of platelets in dogs (and presumably other species) is around 5-7 days (Tanaka et al 2002).
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).
What is canine ITP?
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys its platelets. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys its red blood cells.
What is ITP disease?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. People with the disease have too few platelets in the blood.
What is normal platelet count for dogs?
Normal dogs and cats should have platelet counts close to or >200,000/µL; normal horses and cows should have platelet counts of 100,000/µL or greater. Spontaneous bleeding, that can attributed solely to thrombocytopenia, does not occur unless platelet counts are < 30,000/µL.
How long does it take for platelets to regenerate in dogs?
Decreased platelet production: Platelets are produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and are actually fragments of the megakaryocyte cytoplasm. The normal lifespan of platelets in dogs (and presumably other species) is around 5-7 days (Tanaka et al 2002).
Can tick bite cause low platelets in dogs?
Babesia (Babesiosis) This disease can occur in cats and dogs after being bitten by a tick… or a dog. It can cause anemia (low red blood cell count), a low platelet count and increased protein levels in the blood.
Is ITP contagious?
It is not contagious, meaning a child cannot "catch it" from playing with another child with ITP. It is also important to know that nothing the parents, nor the child, did caused the disorder. Often, the child may have had a virus or viral infection about three weeks before developing ITP.
How long does it take for a dog to regenerate blood?
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the blood, where they circulate for approximately three months. As the RBCs age or become damaged, they are removed from the bloodstream and their components are recycled to form new red blood cells.
Why does my dog have ITP?
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.
What is ITP on a dachshund?
ITP Bruising on a Dachshund / Basset. Treatment. In ITP, the treatment is first aimed at decreasing the overactive immune system which causes this platelet reduction. The drugs used to decrease the overactivity of the immune system are called immunosuppressive drugs. The main type of immunosuppressive drugs is corticosteroids, ...
What causes thrombocytopenia in the UK?
The most important type of infection to cause thrombocytopenia in the UK is Ehrlichia, which is spread by ticks, and your vet will be able to test for this if infection is possible.
What happens if a dog has too many platelets?
In a condition called immune mediated thrombocytopenia, the dog's own immune system attacks and destroys these platelets. Although in most cases, thrombocytopenia is the only problem, in some cases ITP will be part ...
What is the name of the disease where the body attacks both the platelets and red blood cells?
Examples of this include Evan's Syndrome, where the body attacks both the platelets and red blood cells (causing anaemia) or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), where the body attacks multiple tissues. Causes and Diagnostic Tests.
How many platelets are in a dog's blood?
In order to function normally, there are usually over 175,000,000 platelets in every millilitre of your dog's blood (up to 500,000,000/ml). The platelets form the first part of clot formation, but other factors are necessary to form an adequate clot if any damage occurs to the blood vessel.
How many dogs die from ITP?
Unfortunately, despite appropriate treatment around 10 to 15% of dogs with ITP can die or are euthanised at the beginning of the disease or after recurrence of their signs. This is mainly observed with severe disease associated with complications like coagulation disorders or severe gastro-intestinal bleeding.
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.
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 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.
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.
Which drugs cause thrombocytopenia?
These drugs include cefazedone, auranofin and trimethoprim-sulfonamide combinations.
Can autoimmune disease cause thrombocytopenia in dogs?
Other autoimmune diseases in dogs can trigger immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia are some of the more common autoimmune diseases that can cause immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
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 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.
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 ticks cause thrombocytopenia?
Additionally, there are several diseases that are contracted from ticks that may cause thrombocytopenia, so tests that rule out diseases from ticks are important to perform. Lastly, other components of coagulation unrelated to platelets may malfunction for various reasons.
Can melena cause relapse in dogs?
Patients with melena (blood in their stool), elevated kidney values on blood tests, or those who require a blood transfusion may have a harder time overcoming the disease. Even for dogs that respond well, relapse may occur in the future.
Should pet owners be well informed of the clinical signs associated with thrombocytopenia?
Pet owners should be well informed of the clinical signs associated with thrombocytopenia, and cognizant of the importance of monitoring for those signs in the future. Written by Eileen Donoghue, MU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2019.
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 does it mean when a dog has thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia occurs when a dog has a low number of platelets in its blood. Platelets are important for clotting, so if your dog does not have enough of them in their body it is at risk of sudden bleeding or bruising. In dogs, it is usually seen as a symptom of an underlying disease and is rarely seen in cats.
What diseases affect dogs?
Often times, these findings are not concerning in these breeds if the dog is otherwise healthy. Bone marrow diseases: Leukemia and other diseases affecting the bone marrow of a dog. Vasculitis: Platelets can be destroyed rapidly in dogs with vasculitis, a disease of the blood vessels, resulting in thrombocytopenia.
What does it mean when a dog has a low platelet count?
This will tell them how many platelets the dog has and whether or not it is an adequate amount. If a dog has a low number of platelets, thrombocytopenia is diagnosed. Other tests may be performed to discover the cause of the thrombocytopenia.
How many platelets are in a dog with thrombocytopenia?
The number of platelets can drop below 30,000/μL of blood, or even sometimes 10,000/μL, in a dog with thrombocytopenia. These are extremely low numbers considering dogs normally have above 200,000/μL.
Why does my dog have black stools?
All of these symptoms are due to having low platelets.
Can dogs be kept out of reach of ticks?
However, in the case of tickborne diseases, consistent vet recommended tick prevention can be helpful. Dogs with known thrombocytopenia issues should not be used in breeding programmes, rodenticides should always be kept out of reach of pets, and tick-control is recommended.
Does azathioprine cause thrombocytopenia?
Drug and vaccine reactions: Some medications such as chemotherapeutics, azathioprine, and estrogen have a side effect of causing thrombocytopenia. At times, recent vaccination has been suggested as a potential cause for low level of platelets though more consistent data is needed on this 1.
Why do platelets clump together?
Platelets clump together to seal broken or leaking blood vessels and prevent blood loss. They are an important factor in the blood clotting mechanism, and thrombocytopenia can lead to spontaneous bleeding or bruising.
What is thrombocytopenia in blood?
What is thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in the number of blood platelets (also known as thrombocytes) circulating in the blood.
Can pancreatitis cause thrombocytopenia?
For example, certain infections, neoplasia (cancer), immune system disorders, and pancreatitis can result in thrombocytopenia, as can drug therapies such as some anti-cancer treatments.
Can a dog have a platelet defect?
Yes, if platelet function is impaired. This can be a side effect of a number of drugs including some antibiotics. There are inherited platelet defects such as Von Willebrand's Disease (see handouts “Von Willebrand’s Disease in Dogs” and “Von Willebrand’s Disease Testing” for further information), that are common in certain breeds of dogs, ...
How to normalize a dog's platelet count?
Treatment. To normalize the dog's platelet count, a platelet transfusion may be recommended. In some cases, an entire blood transfusion may be needed to correct anemia.
What causes thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia can be caused by a variety of factors, including: 1 Leukemia 2 Lymphoma 3 Decreased platelet production 4 Extreme blood loss due to a hemorrhage 5 Increased destruction of platelets in the body (infectious agents are the most common cause of this problem)
