Vol. 10, Special Issue 6 (2021)

Author(s):
Iqra Shafi Khan, Shukriti Sharma, CS Randhawa and AK Sharma

Abstract:
Thrombocytopenia is the most common haemostatic condition in dogs, and it can be fatal in dogs. Platelet transfusions can provide short-term haemostasis and fresh platelet rich plasma remains the product of choice. The present study was conducted on 12 dogs presented at Small Animal Clinics of Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India, with indications of thrombocytopenia. Melena (75.0%) was found to be most significant symptom of severe thrombocytopenia followed by epistaxis (58.30%) and ecchymotic haemorrhages/Purpura (50.0%). Physical examination, blood biochemistry and haematology were performed in these thrombocytopenic dogs to establish the etiology and PCR was performed to diagnose haemoprotozoan disease. The highest prevalence of thrombocytopenia was recorded in Labrador retriever (41.6%) followed by mixed breeds (25.0%) and German shepherd (16.6%). The highest number of cases were recorded in haemoprotozoan group (50.0%) followed by renal failure (41.6%) and neoplasia (9.30%). The blood smear examination showed no haemoprotozoa on examination however, 6 patients were positive for haemoprotozoa on PCR including B. gibsoni (n=1) and E.canis (n=5). Donor selection, blood collection, separation of packed RBCs and platelet rich plasma (PRP), and administration of PRP were done as per standard protocols. Transfusion of fresh/ stored PRP was done in severely thrombocytopenic dogs. Within one hour of transfusion, platelet count showed an increasing trend.