Condition4 connections · 1 source
Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia
Immune destruction of blood platelets causing spontaneous bruising and bleeding.
Key Facts
- Platelets normally number 200,000-500,000; minimum 20,000-50,000 to prevent bleeding
- Petechiae (small bruises) on gums, eyes, belly are hallmark signs
- Predisposed: Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Old English Sheepdogs
- Stress platelets produced under duress are larger but short-lived
- Must rule out tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, RMSF, Babesia)
- Primary form (no identifiable cause) is most common
- Immune-suppressive therapy is mainstay of treatment