Low platelets in dogs

One of the disorders that can worry us the most about our dogs is when they have a low platelet count.

When this number is excessively low we are talking about a condition called thrombocytopenia. However, and although this situation could endanger the life of the dogWith due care and complying with the treatment times, a total recovery of the pet is possible.

Symptom

When the number of platelets in the dog's blood is low this is determined by a blood tests that allow early detection.

However, attention must be paid to a series of external factors like some abnormal bleeding, especially in the mucous membranes like the mouth, nose, anus and ears.

In the case of dogs that are very young, abnormal bleeding manifests itself in the gums, especially in the process of changing teeth from puppy to adult dog. It is important to note that some of these diseases have a hereditary origin or it is a congenital problem.

It is possible that your dog shows abnormal function of blood platelets at an early age, in other words, that cells do not adhere to each other.

Some breeds are predisposed to suffer from low platelets, being very prone to having hereditary thrombocytopathy and the first sign is the accumulation of purple or black spots on the fins of the ears.

The result is the same as in humans, wounds take a long time to heal so a small cut or a small domestic accident can cause excessive bleeding.

There are also some behavioral factors that can be part of symptoms that platelets are too low. ¿Your dog is weak or down and does not even want to share time with you? Most likely you have low platelets.

Causes

Leukemia is a blood disease that causes a low platelet count. What finally happens is that platelets will disappear completely from the immune system.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer cell which can affect the number of platelets and other components in the blood. There are certain rare diseases where the dog creates antibodies that destroy its platelets, in addition to other more common infections, such as ticks that destroy the pet's platelets. Sometimes the simplest cause is bleeding wounds that can cause normal loss of these cells.

In summary, there are some symptoms that can show that the dog has a low platelet count and they are all focused on his behavior.

For example and if the dog has bruises on the skin it is a synonym for low blood clotting in the blood. If you have difficulty sitting up or walking, bleeding in the urine, stool and mucous membranes such as the nose, there is also an obvious platelet problem.

Diagnosis

To have an accurate diagnosis, in addition to the visual one, it is important to go to a vet who can perform different tests at the physical and biochemical level to the dog, as well as requesting a test in which the platelet count is made.

You can also order other tests such as electrolyte control. It is very important during the visit to the vet that we tell you in detail the dog mood, so it is our job to closely observe the pet and be very specific with the times and times.

Many times the result of these tests can indicate anemia, which may be an underlying cause for bleeding, and in this regard it is easy to take action.

However, if the problem persists and a syndrome has been detected in the dog, especially if it is one of the aforementioned breeds due to genetic predisposition for these diseases, other measures must be taken.

May be required more detailed exams to be able to determine the function of platelets, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time. In other words, it seeks to detect if there is difficulty for platelets to bind to each other.

Another simple test that a vet can do is to make a tiny incision on the inside of the cheek. With this test the vet can determine the amount of blood and the time it takes for the wound to heal.

Among other things the vet can do is perform a platelet transfusion, prescribe iron-based supplements To help the production of platelets, administer corticosteroids or some type of oral or intravenous medication that can help the dog in his condition.

Care

As owners we can do a lot so that the dog can recover and have the same quality of life.

First, and once the veterinarian's diagnosis has been received, it is time to seek the treatment that has been indicated to us to eliminate or counteract disease. For example and if it is the tick disease then special care must be taken inside the house until the platelets rise.

In addition, there are some home remedies that can help our pet to raise platelets. As an example, we do well to keep the dog hydrated with plenty of fresh water and in a container that can be changed times a day.

In case the dog is not in the mood, we can give him ice cubes to help him drink.

Moreover chicken broth is very useful to raise platelets And it doesn't just work in humans. A broth with chicken feet, carrots, potatoes, onion and celery can be very nutritious. In the case of vegetables, we can crush them so that they are like a cream or in that case we can strain the solid ingredients to leave a broth.

Other foods that are rich in iron are chicken and beef liver, which can facilitate improvement in the dog. Natural coconut water It also provides iron, vitamins A and C, and calcium. All these factors help to increase platelets.

Finally it is recommended to keep the dog in the house for a few days and let it regain its energy at rest, without being in contact with other animals as these can be infected with ticks and can cause an injury that worsens the clinical picture.

These home remedies are very effective, but in no way are they a substitute for the veterinarian's diagnosis and the medication that must be taken. You have to remember that you have to be very aware of the dog's behavior and be aware of changes, positive or negative, so that the dog can return to its activities again and be happy with us again.