Disorder - Thrombocytopaenia

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Bleeding disorder; Factor X deficiency; Factor XI deficiency; Factor XII deficiency; Haemophilia A; Haemophilia B; Polycythaemia; Vitamin-K-dependent blood coagulation factors deficiency; Erythrocytosis

Presenting Signs

Thrombocytopaenia is a deficiency of platelets (a type of blood cell that is involved in blood clotting). As a result blood does not clot properly, and bleeding may occur from a range of organs (nose, gastrointestinal tract, bladder) and tiny, multiple bruises (petechiae) may be seen on the skin and gums. In severe cases internal bleeding may cause death. Polycythaemia (increased number of red blood cells) may occur as a secondary condition. The inherited form of thrombocytopaenia occurs when platelets and their early stages are destroyed by the body’s own immune system. The disorder can also occur secondary to other diseases (FeLV infection, cancer) or may be triggered by certain drugs or vaccines.

Breeds Affected
Maine Coon
Somali


Treatment

Medical: immunosuppressive drug therapy (corticosteroids, azothioprine, vincristine) has been successfully used to dampen the body’s immune system from destroying platelets.

PubMed References
Thrombocytopaenia

Contributor
Amanda Miller