Disorder - Autoimmune thrombocytopaenia

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular
Immune

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia; Systemic lupus erythematosus

Alternative Names
Primary immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia

Presenting Signs

Thrombocytopaenia means a low count of platelets in the blood. Platelets are the cells in blood that are vital for normal clotting. Therefore cats with thrombocytopaenia will bleed for prolonged times after minor bumps and scratches. Cats, in comparison with dogs, can tolerate much lower platelet numbers before spontaneous bleeding occurs. Consequently, the signs of primary immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia are often subtle and can be highly variable. Signs may vary from localised to widespread spontaneous bleeding, no matter how severe the thrombocytopaenia. Clinical signs can include bleeding of the gums, small bruises on the gums, skin, inner eyelids or whites of the eyes, nose bleeds, large bruises, or red urine.

Treatment

Medical. Treatment centres on a combination of immunosuppressive drugs until an increase in platelets is achieved.

PubMed References
Autoimmune thrombocytopaenia

Contributor
Megan Jolly