What does a low platelet count mean in dogs?

What does a low platelet count mean in dogs?

Platelets are important for the clotting process in a dog’s body and are needed to prevent blood loss. A low platelet count can lead to problems like spontaneous bruising and bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is a common condition in dogs, and as many as five percent of all dogs who come into veterinary hospitals have it.

Can low platelets be a sign of cancer in dogs?

Many severe diseases have thrombocytopenia as one component of the condition. For example, certain infections, neoplasia (cancer), immune system disorders, and pancreatitis can result in thrombocytopenia, as can drug therapies such as some anti-cancer treatments.

What are the symptoms of low platelet count in dogs?

Symptoms and Types. Dogs with a low platelet count may display symptoms such as: Fever. Lethargy. Heart murmur. Urinary Bleeding. Excessive coughing. Excessive nasal mucus.

What causes low white blood cell count in dogs?

The usual platelet count in dogs is between 200,000 and 600,000u/L, generally if platelets are below 100,000u/L it becomes more of a serious concern. The low platelet and low white blood cell count would be caused by the Lyme Disease.

Why is it important to increase a dog’s platelet count?

Even a temporary boost to your dog’s platelet count can make a big difference because it will help the dog’s blood clot if an injury occurs, which might save your dog’s life. One of the most common causes of low platelets in dogs is an autoimmune disease, which causes the body to attack its own platelets.

Can a high platelet count cause thrombocytopenia in dogs?

Often, thrombocytopenia symptoms only occur in more severe cases. On the other hand, a high platelet count in dogs could cause thrombi, otherwise known as thrombocytosis, which is very rare in dogs.

What does it mean if your dog has a high platelet count?

Sometimes platelet counts will also be elevated in dogs that are dehydrated, which your dog may be as he has had vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea are a response to something irritating the gastrointestinal tract. This can be a viral or bacterial infection, parasites,…

Why are my dogs platelets so low?

The immune system can also be responsible for premature destruction of the platelets. Low platelet count in dogs can also be caused when the rate of platelet consumption exceeds the rate at which it is manufactured by the bone marrow.

How to help raise your dog’s platelet count?

Since low platelet count can lead to fever, hydration is key. Though it may sound strange, chicken soup is one of the best foods for raising platelet count. As we mentioned before, the vet might prescribe your pet with iron, in which case feeding it iron-rich foods (like chicken livers) will help its recovery.

What is the normal platelet count for a dog?

Often, thrombocytopenia symptoms only occur in more severe cases. On the other hand, a high platelet count in dogs could cause thrombi, otherwise known as thrombocytosis, which is very rare in dogs. Normal platelet counts in dogs are between 175,000 – 500,000.