day.
Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. Normal platelet count in dogs is between 200-500 /ul. If platelet count is lower than 50, this can indicate a serious problem or bleeding issue. If you cannot get into your vet and your dog is appearing very ill, lethargic, or has very pale tongue/gums, it is best to seek emergency care at your local ER clinic.
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There is a good prognosis for recovery. Almost 80% of dogs will recover. But if your dog is healing from having low platelets, there is always the possibility of having excessive bleeding from an injury or cut. During the healing phase, it`s important to monitor your dog`s physical activity to avoid injury.
Decreases in platelets may be caused by anti-platelet antibodies, drugs, toxins, or disorders of the bone marrow. Conditions that consume a large number of platelets (such as massive bleeding or severe clotting disorders) can also deplete platelet numbers.
A platelet count below 10,000 is severe thrombocytopenia. When your platelet count gets too low, it can cause dangerous internal bleeding. The most common causes of a low platelet count are medications or health conditions. Other risk factors include family history, genetics, and age.
Vitamin C helps your platelets group together and function efficiently. It also assists your pet to absorb iron, which may also help to increase platelet counts. Good sources of vitamin C include: foods that are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, and are palatable include broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and spinach.
Some diseases or medicines may also cause low platelets. But platelets may return to normal levels if the disease is treated or the medicine is stopped. You may not need treatment if your condition is mild.
If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid.
Found across the globe, several types of ticks can spread canine ehrlichiosis, including the American dog tick, brown dog tick and lone star tick. The symptoms of Canine Ehrlichiosis begin about 1 -3 weeks after your dog has been infected and may include low blood platelets, fever and poor appetite.
Many severe diseases have thrombocytopenia as one component of the condition, including: infectious diseases such as parvovirus, canine infectious hepatitis virus, canine distemper, leptospirosis, many tick-borne diseases (e.g., Lyme disease), salmonella, and heartworm disease.
A reduced platelet count in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the ability of the blood to clot. If a person`s blood does not clot, a wound may bleed severely. This can have serious complications in some cases.
Dark chocolate, foods with low glycemic index, garlic, ginger, omega-3 PUFA, onion, purple grape juice, tomato, and wine all reduce platelet aggregation. Dark chocolate and omega-3 PUFA also reduce P-selectin expression.
Infections with protozoa, bacteria and viruses can cause thrombocytopenia with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation. Commonly dengue, malaria, scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections, meningococci, leptospira and certain viral infections present as fever with thrombocytopenia.
Complete blood count (CBC)
This test shows your platelet count and other blood cells in your blood. Platelet disorders are grouped based on platelet count, which is the platelet count in a certain amount of blood. A normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
If treatment is necessary, the most common treatments include: Corticosteroids (“steroids”) — Steroids prevent bleeding by decreasing the production of antibodies against platelets. If effective, the platelet count will rise within two to four weeks of starting steroids.
A low platelet count is below 150,000 (150 × 109/L). If your platelet count is below 50,000 (50 × 109/L), your risk for bleeding is higher. Even every day activities can cause bleeding. A lower-than-normal platelet count is called thrombocytopenia.
Immune thrombocytopenia is not life-threatening for most patients, and it has high potential for resolving spontaneously or with treatment. Thus, the life expectancy of most patients with ITP is similar to that of the general population. Acute ITP usually resolves spontaneously in 6 months or less without treatment.
We see in some other disease types, such as immune thrombocytopenia, that patients who have low platelet counts will often have increased fatigue.
ITP is caused by problems with your immune system. Normally, your immune system helps your body fight off infections and diseases. In ITP, however, your immune system attacks and destroys your body`s platelets by mistake. You may also make fewer platelets.
Onions and related plants such as leeks and garlic can cause Heinz body anaemia in cats and dogs. Haemolytic anaemia is the main feature of zinc toxicosis in dogs.
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) is a common disease in dogs. Primary IMT is idiopathic, while secondary IMT can result from a variety of infectious agents or some treatments. Symptoms may include lethargy, anorexia and mild pyrexia, together with a low platelet count and associated bleeding disorders.
A steady intake of water increases hemoglobin indices, such as the MCH and MCHC, and decreases the MPV. As shown in Table 1, at the end of the study period, WBC, RBC, and platelet counts increased in the experimental group, as did hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, although the increases were not significant ( p >0.05).
Iron-rich foods are required to maintain healthy levels of RBCs and platelets. Severe thrombocytopenia or low platelet count is associated with anemia or iron deficiency. Iron-fortified foods include beans, lentils, tofu, guava, raw bananas, spinach, apples, pumpkin seeds.
Due to the potential effects of ginger on platelet aggregation, ginger is a commonly-cited example of an herbal supplement that should be avoided in patients with thrombocytopenia, platelet function defects or coagulopathy, such as populations using ginger for its antiemetic effect in cancer chemotherapy.
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder, in which a person`s blood doesn`t clot properly, because the immune system destroys the blood-clotting platelets. The cause of ITP is not known, but it is due to an immune system error that may be triggered by viral infections.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Q. Went to the vet yesterday with my 8.5 year old lab mix male for his physical. They left a voicemail that his platelet count is 38. Not in today.
ANSWER : A. Normal platelet count in dogs is between 200-500 /ul. If platelet count is lower than 50, this can indicate a serious problem or bleeding issue. If you cannot get into your vet and your dog is appearing very ill, lethargic, or has very pale tongue/gums, it is best to seek emergency care at your local ER clinic.
Read Full Q/A … : PetMeds®: Blood in Dog's Urine – PetMeds® Pet Health Blog
Q. Is a 129 platelet count in a toy Poodle too low to perform surgery, i.e., spaying?
ANSWER : A. Normal platelets count in dog is between 200 and 500 x10*9/l so 129 is definitely lower then normal. However, problems with prolonged blood clotting start when platelets count drop below 50 x10*9/l so it is very unlikely that your dog would have any problems with blood clotting during routine procedures like neutering. It is worth to mention that underestimating platelets count is the most common error of haematology machines therefore it is always a good idea to repeat the blood test, do manual platelets count or send blood to external laboratory to confirm low platelets count.
Read Full Q/A … : Why Are My Dog Or Cat's Blood Platelet Counts Abnormal
Q. I have a 13 1/2 year old Shih Tzu. How old is he in dog years?
ANSWER : A. It’s used to be that dog years were 7 years to every 1. Now it normally around 5 years to every year as long as your dog is healthy and kept up with vaccines. So he’s about 68ish in dog years.
Read Full Q/A … : Shih Tzu Age
Q. What are the ways and/or steps to become a veterinarian?
ANSWER : A. Being a veterinarian is a rewarding career, but does involve a lot of schooling, experience and knowledge. Many people try out veterinary medicine through being a tech or assistant first, then continue on to veterinary school if they decide that is the path for them. If you are still in high school, the best way to start gaining experience is just by volunteering at your local animal shelter. Some clinics will also hire kennel technicians, a good starting job that gets you into a clinic and viewing procedures while working your way up. You can major in anything you want in college, however there are class prerequisites that must be met to apply for vet school. Majoring in a degree program such as biology, zoology or animal sciences often meets these requirements without having to take extra classes. Working summers as a tech or assistant, staying active in local animal groups and maintaining a high GPA will make you an ideal candidate. Once you are ready to apply for vet school you will need to take a GRE which is an exam graduate and medical schools use to determine how well you might do. Vet schools tend to look for applicants who are active in the community, have experience and have good grades. If considered, you will then have an interview to determine if you’re a good fit! Vet school itself requires four years, the first two focused on classroom and theory subjects such as anatomy, physiology and pathology. Your third year becomes more hands on with lots of labs and “shadowing” of vets in the school. Fourth year is usually entirely clinical rotations to give you a taste of all the things veterinary medicine offers!
Read Full Q/A … : How to Become a Veterinarian: 14 Steps (with Pictures …
Q. Male neutered cat [1 1/2 years old] has just started trying to spray everywhere around the house. Nothing is coming out. No recent changes.
ANSWER : A. Changes in urinary habits can be caused by a number of things, especially in neutered male cats. Attempting to urinate or have accidents in places other than the litter box can often be a sign of a urinary tract infection, or crystals and debris in the bladder causing problems. Pets may need to go more frequently, may dribble or urinate in small amounts more often, may have accidents or may have blood-tinged or cloudy urine.Infections are usually treated with medications and changes to the diet, however in some cases of large stones or crystals surgery may be needed.
Male cats can also experience urinary blockage. This is due to a unique anatomical part or the urethra that forms a U-shape before exiting the body in male cats. If a cat has crystals or other debris in the urine, it can block at this point preventing urine from being able to exit. Cats may attempt to urinate without producing anything, may become very vocal (indicating pain) or may have a hunched back, full abdomen or pain in the abdomen (protecting the very full bladder). Urinary blockage IS a medical emergency so if suspected, your vet or local emergency clinic should be contacted immediately. Treatment usually involves a hospital stay and catheterization of the bladder to remove the blockage and allow urine to drain followed by medications and a change in diet to prevent further problems.
It is best to try and collect a sample of urine and make an appointment for your cat if he has had a change in urinary habits. If you do suspect a blockage, then contact your vet ASAP is best.
Read Full Q/A … : Feline Neutering – All About Male Cat Desexing.
Q. My cocker spaniel is 9 years old. He has involuntary bowel movements (little drops) very frequently, especially when he is asleep.
ANSWER : A. Is your dog on a senior dog food? I would get your dog on a high quality high protien dog food. Ask a pet store assosicate or your regular vet for a food recommendation. When you buy a better food the dog will have to eat less to get the same amount of energy from the food. The dog has to eat more of the cheaper foods to get the energy it needs from it. Meaning more poop and buying more food. So the cost really evens out. So the lessen your dogs bowel movements get on a better senior dog food. Next talk to your vet they may have a recommendation. If you switch dogs do it slowly by mixing the foods. Start with 10% new 90% old mixed for at least a week until you have switched to 100% new 0% old. Senior foods have more fiber to help with bowel movements. Take the dog outside to go potty more frequently, right before bed time.
Read Full Q/A … : Symptoms Questions & Answers
Q. We have a 3 yr old Weiner dog, she is having pus in her eyes, I took her to the vet he gave me derma vet ointment, used it as the doctor prescribed
ANSWER : A. If the pus really isn’t all that bad, and it’s just some discharge, your pup may benefit from a diet change. It could be that the food you’re feeding just isn’t right for your dog, and that’s okay! Dogs grow and change over time, and now that your dog is fully matured, a diet change may be in order. Try something like Taste of the Wild, maybe a grain free dog food, Orijen, or Ziwipeak. These are all really great food options.
If the pus is really bad, and continues to get worse, see your vet again and let them know what’s going on. Maybe you could try a diet change, and then see if there are any improvements.
Remember, you should always gradually change a dogs diet. By gradually, I mean you put a tiny bit of new kibble in with a bowl of the old kibble. Reduce the old kibble by just a few bits of kibble. Throughout the course of at least two weeks (or as long as you want depending on whether or not you want to finish off the old food) you slowly add more of the new kibble while removing some of the old kibble. This makes the process gradual, and won’t cause any tummy-upset in your dog.
Read Full Q/A … : An Easy Home Cure Cherry Eye Remedy – Old Town Home
Q. Does an indoor cat need to be vaccinated every year?
ANSWER : A. In practice, I recommend a feline combo vaccine every year, but will generally start administering every 3 years once they have had their kitten vaccines and 2 additional yearly vaccines. Rabies, is required yearly by law, and if kept up to date can be good for up to three years also. Based on the age of your cat I would give a yearly feline combo and rabies, and then boost the combo again next year.
Read Full Q/A … : Ask a Vet: How Often Do Cats Need Shots?
