Haematology and immunology
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP)
EmergencyEMERGENCY. This condition can be life-threatening. Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. See the Emergency & first aid chapter for triage.
Overview
The immune system destroys the platelets that make blood clot, so the dog bleeds spontaneously into the skin and mucous membranes. The tell-tale sign is petechiae — pinpoint red dots that, unlike a rash, do not blanch when pressed. As with IMHA, tick-borne disease is an important trigger in tick-endemic regions and is investigated at the same time. It can occur alongside IMHA. Diagnosis is by platelet count; management is immunosuppressive (class chosen by the vet) plus strict rest, because the risk is bleeding into the brain or gut. Any spontaneous bruising or bleeding in a dog is an immediate veterinary matter.
What you would notice
- Pinpoint red spots on the gums, belly, or inner ear flap
- Bruising with no memory of an injury
- Nosebleeds, or blood in urine or stool
- Black, tarry stool (digested blood)
- Lethargy and pale gums if blood loss has been significant
Non-prescriptive. This entry deliberately does NOT name specific drugs,
doses, routes, or durations. Treatment decisions rest with a licensed veterinarian who
has examined your dog and considered its history.
Draft — vet review pending. This entry has not yet been signed off by a registered veterinarian.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com)
- MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)
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