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Thrombocytes

Platelets are blood cells that are important for blood clotting. They prevent your dog from losing too much blood in the event of an injury. In this blog post, you can find out more about the function, normal values and possible diseases of platelets in dogs.

What are platelets?

Thrombocytes are small, disc-shaped cells that are formed in the bone marrow. They circulate in the blood and attach themselves to injured vessel walls to form a clot. This clot closes the wound and stops the bleeding. Platelets also release various substances that promote blood clotting.

How many platelets should a dog have?

The number of platelets in the blood is known as the platelet count or thrombocytosis. The normal platelet count in dogs is between 200,000 and 500,000 per microliter of blood. This number can vary depending on your dog's age, breed and health.

What are the causes and symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a reduced number of platelets in the blood. This can have various causes, such as

  • An impaired formation of platelets in the bone marrow due to infections, poisoning, medication or tumors.
  • Increased destruction of platelets due to immune reactions, parasites, blood transfusions or mechanical damage.
  • Increased consumption of platelets due to heavy bleeding, inflammation or coagulation disorders.

The symptoms of thrombocytopenia can vary depending on the severity. Possible signs are

  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bruising under the skin or in the mucous membranes
  • Blood in the urine or stool
  • Weakness, tiredness or apathy
  • Increased susceptibility to infection

What are the causes and symptoms of thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis is an increased number of platelets in the blood. This can have various causes, such as

  • Increased formation of platelets in the bone marrow due to stress, inflammation, iron deficiency or tumors.
  • Reduced destruction of platelets due to medication, splenectomy or genetic factors.
  • An incorrect measurement of the platelet count due to laboratory errors or a thickening of the blood.

The symptoms of thrombocytosis can vary depending on the severity. Possible signs are

  • Headache
  • dizziness
  • visual disturbances
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Redness or a feeling of warmth in the skin
  • Thrombosis or embolism in the blood vessels

How is thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis, your vet will need to carry out a blood test. This will measure the number of thrombocytes and other blood values. Your vet may also order further tests to find the cause of the condition.

The treatment of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis depends on the underlying cause. Possible therapies are:

  • The administration of drugs that affect the formation, destruction or consumption of platelets.
  • The administration of blood transfusions to compensate for blood loss.
  • The administration of fluid therapy to improve blood circulation.
  • The administration of antibiotics to fight infections.
  • The removal of tumors or other causes that damage the bone marrow.

How can you support your dog's platelet health?

To support your dog's platelet health, there are a few things you can do, such as

  • Feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality diet that contains all the necessary nutrients.
  • Avoid stress factors for your dog, such as noise, heat or fear.
  • Protect your dog from injuries, parasites or toxins that can damage platelets.
  • Have your dog examined regularly by a vet to detect and treat possible illnesses at an early stage.

Platelets are important components of your dog's blood. They ensure that your dog does not lose too much blood in the event of an injury. If the number of thrombocytes is too low or too high, this can lead to serious problems. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the symptoms of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis and have your dog treated accordingly. You can also promote the health of your dog's platelets through good care and prevention.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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