About Infectious Canine Cyclic Thrombocytopenia
Infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopenia (ICCT) is an infectious disease that affects platelets, causing "thrombocytopenia" -- a low platelet count. Platelets are important for blood clotting.
Cause
A bacteria called Anaplasma platys (A. Platys). This bacteria used to be classified as an Ehrlichia species, so ICCT is often described as a form Ehrlichiosis.
Infections with A. platys are spread by ticks, particularly the brown dog tick.
Signs and Symptoms of Infectious Canine Cyclic Thrombocytopenia
ICCT has historically been considered a mild disease that rarely produces any noticeable symptoms. Dogs may occasionally have slight bleeding tendencies (nosebleeds, bleeding under skin).
However, there have been recent reports of more serious illness associated with A. platys. In these cases, symptoms have been similar to those seen in Ehrlichiosis due to Ehrlichia canis (fever, lethargy, depression, appetite loss, bleeding, and others; see the description of Ehrlichia for more information).
Diagnosis of Infectious Canine Cyclic Thrombocytopenia
A blood count may show a moderately decreased platelet count, which may recover and recur over a 1-2 week cycle early in the disease but become persistent in chronic infections. A. platys can be difficult to demonstrate, however. The organism can sometimes be spotted in platelets on a blood smear. A test for antibodies has been developed, but is sometimes positive for dogs that have Ehrlichia instead. Specialized testing for A. platys genetic material is also available.
Other tests are usually run, especially to find out if other tick-borne diseases such as Ehrlichia or Babesia are present. Because they are spread by the same ticks, these types of diseases are commonly found together. Tests to rule out other causes of thrombocytopenia may also be done.
Treating Infectious Canine Cyclic Thrombocytopenia
A. Platys responds well to a course of doxycycline, a type of tetracycline antibiotic.
Preventing Infectious Canine Cyclic Thrombocytopenia
A good tick control and prevention program is the best defense against Anaplasma platys and ICCT. Check your dog daily for ticks and remove them as soon as possible. This is especially important in peak tick season or if your dog spends time in the woods or tall grass (consider avoiding these areas in tick season).
Products that prevent ticks such as monthly parasite preventatives (e.g., Frontline®, Revolution®) or tick collars (e.g., Preventic®) can be used; be sure to follow your veterinarian's advice when using these products. In areas where ticks are a serious problem, you can also consider treating the yard and kennel area.
Please note: this article has been provided for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.