Thrombocytopenia Research Paper

Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia is a disorder that causes platelets to be destroyed at an accelerated rate. Platelets are produced from the fragmentation of bone marrow megakaryocytes and then are released into the circulation where they play an important role in hemostasis by forming a platelet plug when needed. They do this by binding to a damaged vessel wall, which is then stabilized by fibrin. When platelets are prematurely destroyed, it causes abnormal hemostasis. Thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of abnormal hemostasis in canines. Although bleeding, petechiae, and ecchymosis are typically signs related to thrombocytopenia, nonspecific clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia, and weakness are more likely to be seen. Sometimes the animals affected will appear asymptomatic. In these cases, a CBC should be performed to check for a low platelet count. Bleeding is typically seen with primary hemostatic disorders and may cause hemorrhage of the gingival, conjunctival, penile and vaginal mucous membranes. If the bleeding takes place in the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract, it becomes a severely life-threatening situation. Causes of thrombocytopenia can be
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is likely identified with forms of neoplasia because the antibodies against tumor antigens may initiate the destruction of platelets. Common forms of neoplasia seen with thrombocytopenia include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, adenocarcinoma, and hemangiosarcoma. All causes of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia should be ruled out before considering a non-immune-mediated source of disease. Mechanisms that can cause non-immune mediated thrombocytopenia include hemorrhage, bone marrow suppression by radiation or chemotherapy, platelet consumption and others. Rare causes of thrombocytopenia include hemolytic uremia, inherited thrombocytopenia, and bone marrow