The first part of the word, thrombocyto- refers to this type of cell. The second part, -penia, means low or less than normal. Thrombocytopenia is a lower than normal thrombocyte count in the blood. Normal is typically >175,000 cells/ul.
What happens if an animal has thrombocytopenia?
This may be an incidental finding, discovered on routine (or other) bloodwork. Some animals may simply be depressed or not have a good appetite. When this condition is severe (<40,000 cells/ul), it can lead to extra bleeding, swelling and bruising.
How does an animal become thrombocytopenic?
Thrombocytopenia may be immune-mediated (the body destroying its own platelets), a decrease in production (bone marrow disease) or a toxic or infectious agent (parasites, bacteria, drug-induced, etc.). Some of the common causes include:
- Immune-mediated (the body's immune system destroys its own platelets) There are many potential causes to stimulate the immune system into destroying platelets or other blood components.
- Anaplasma/Ehrlichia or other rickettsial (a type of bacteria) infections. Ticks are a vector for several diseases that can cause thrombocytopenia and other problems.
- Bone marrow disease - Platelets are produced in bone marrow. Disease in the marrow slows production of the platelets.
- Babesia or other parasite infections. Ticks are a vector for several diseases that can cause thrombocytopenia and other problems.
- Some drugs
- Some modified-live vaccines (creating immune-mediated pathogenesis)
- Infection
- Cancer
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Treatment of thrombocytopenia
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of this condition, the treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis from your pet's veterinarian.
