| |
This is a
condition where there is a reduction of the platelets (thrombocytes) from the
norm. Platelets play an important role in blood clotting and so the decrease
can mean increased bleeding. Thromocytopenia can be of a secondary nature which
means the result of another condition, eg. Infection, tumour or drug reaction,
or of a primary nature where not other causative factor is found and thought to
be an auto-immune problem. Some symptoms might include nosebleeds, bruising on
the skin or lips, blood in the stool or urine and lethargy or weakness.
Treatment generally include steroids and in more serious cases transfusions.
 |
| An Aranel (UK) puppy |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, however, have giant
sized platelets which function normally. When a blood sample is analysed the
number of platelets are counted using an autoanalyser. This machine recognises
the cell by the size and when using an autoanalyser the platelet count is low
in the Cavalier, possibly leading to a misdiagnoses of thrombocytopenia. All
blood samples from Cavaliers should be examined by an experienced clinical
pathologist under a microscope and the platelets counted manually.
|
