Plateletes or thrombocytes are small disc-like cell fragements without nucleus that are formed in bone marrow and released in the blood stream. They are responsible for clotting blood. This process, known as hemostasis, occurs when the platelets stick together releasing factors that promote coagulation of the blood (blood clotting).
Thrombocytopenia or low blood platelete count is a condition in which the number of plateletes become lower than normal levels. The condition refers to an abnormally low blood-concentration of platelets in the body. Low platelete count is not a disease in itself, rather an indication of some other underlying condition that causes low plateletes in the body.
There is no age, sex or breed predilection and any dog can be affected by this condition. Prognosis is generally good unless some serious underlying condition is responsible for abnormally low number of platelets in the body.
Dogs with a low platelet count may display symptoms such as:
Fever
Lethargy
Heart murmur
Urinary Bleeding
Excessive coughing
Excessive nasal mucus
Collapse (in severe cases)
