Disease Ontology ID: DDTO:0000774

Disease Description: In immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT), the reduction happens because there is increased destruction of platelets by the body's own immune system, at a rate faster than they are produced in the bone marrow.

Inherit Mode: unknown. It is more common in female dogs than in males.

Disease Symptom: The main problem for dogs affected by IMT is increased bleeding. Your dog may have nosebleeds, bruising on the gums or skin, and/or blood in the stool or urine (seen as a darker than normal colour). Your dog may also appear weak or lethargic. Many dogs with IMT experience only one episode of thrombocytopenia, and respond well to treatment. Some dogs will have occasional relapses, which may be associated with stressors such as another illness, or travel. Unfortunately some dogs with this disorder die acutely because of severe internal bleeding.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: With signs of increased bleeding, your veterinarian will do a CBC (complete blood count), which will show a dramatic drop in platelet numbers. Bleeding does not occur until the platelet count is below 25,000/µl of blood. (Normal levels are above 200,000). Then it is a matter of ruling out other possible causes of thrombocytopenia, which are many. Any disorder that causes increased widespread excessive bleeding will cause a drop in platelets, simply because they are being used up (consumptive coagulopathy).

Treat Method: Corticosteroids are given to slow platelet destruction, initially at high doses which are gradually tapered as platelet levels stabilize and begin to rise again. The response to treatment is usually good. If platelet levels continue to fall despite steroid therapy, other immunosuppressive drugs can be given.Blood or platelet-rich plasma transfusions may be required, to supply oxygen to the tissues and to control bleeding. Aftyer recovery, ongoing monitoring is needed to identify any relapse early, and stressful circumstances should be avoided where possible.

Breeder Advice: Dogs that have had an episode of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia should not be used for breeding.

Disease Description Source: Link