Keep in mind that a single bruise doesn’t mean your dog is sick. Your dog may also develop small spots on their gums if they have a low platelet count.
There are many different causes for lethargy in dogs, so don’t assume your dog has a low platelet count.
Like with the other symptoms of low platelet counts, mucus streaks have other causes, as well.
If your dog is coughing, you need to take it to the vet to find out why, regardless of the cause.
You might be very scared when you see your dog’s poop change colors like this, but there’s no need to panic. Your vet can find out what’s causing your dog’s symptoms and then treat them.
It’s not safe to take your dog’s temperature at home, as the dog might move and get injured. Furthermore, feeling the dog’s nose or ears is not a reliable way to take its temperature.
If it’s after your vet’s normal office hours, search online to find out if there’s a 24-hour emergency vet service in your area.
A blood test will determine if your dog’s platelet counts are low. It will also help the vet check for an infection or figure out if the dog’s immune system is attacking its own platelets. An X-ray can show if your dog has internal injuries, which may cause low platelet counts. An ultrasound can also check your dog for internal injuries and tumors. A bone marrow sample can help your doctor rule out cancer and bone marrow exhaustion, though they may not need to do this test.
For instance, they may be able to give your dog romiplostim, which increases platelet levels. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Even a temporary boost to your dog’s platelet count can make a big difference because it will help the dog’s blood clot if an injury occurs, which might save your dog’s life. One of the most common causes of low platelets in dogs is an autoimmune disease, which causes the body to attack its own platelets. Treatment for autoimmune disease includes high doses of steroids, which can shut down inappropriate immune responses. If your dog has an autoimmune disorder and doesn’t respond well to steroid treatment, your vet may recommend supplementing the steroids with chemotherapy.
Your vet will most likely do the transfusion in their office. Since low platelet counts usually result from a serious medical condition, your vet will likely keep your dog overnight, at a minimum. In rare cases, the vet will need to replace all of the blood in your dog’s body via transfusion. This can correct anemia, as well as raise the dog’s platelet counts. In some cases, transfusion may only produce a temporary improvement, as the underlying cause of your pet’s condition may destroy the healthy platelets.
For example, your dog may be placed on immunosuppressive therapy if its immune system is attacking its platelets. Similarly, it may receive cancer treatments if the vet diagnoses leukemia or lymphoma. The type of treatment your dog will need depends on the cause of its low platelet count.
Encourage your dog to lay on a soft blanket or pet bed while it recovers. Talk to your vet before returning your dog to its normal activity level.
For example, don’t leave items lying on the floor, make sure items on shelves are secure, and check that doors and cabinets are fully open or shut. Also, it may help to put padding on sharp furniture corners, if you have any.
If you can, keep your dog away from other animals, and try to walk it in an area you know well.
