Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in Dogs

Category: Blood
Breeds documented: 5
Published sources: 3

Overview

The immune system can mistakenly destroy platelets, the tiny blood fragments that help stop bleeding. The resulting low platelet count is called immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Dogs may bruise or bleed after minor injuries, although some have no obvious signs. It can occur without a known trigger or alongside illnesses such as infections or cancer.

Signs to watch for

Pinpoint red or purple spots on the gums or skin
Unexplained bruising
Nosebleeds
Blood in the urine
Black, tar-like stools

Middle-aged dogs are overrepresented, particularly females.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog is bleeding heavily.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets confirm that the platelet count is genuinely low and investigate other possible causes. Tests may look for infections, cancer and other bleeding disorders. There is no single reliable antibody test that confirms every case. Bone marrow testing is occasionally useful, but is not usually needed.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
1 Small
1 Medium
2 Large

German ShepherdLarge · Herding Group
Miniature PoodleSmall · Non-Sporting Group
Standard PoodleMedium · Non-Sporting Group
Toy PoodleToy · Toy Group
Old English SheepdogLarge · Herding Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.