Gopetsamerica.comDogs
 
     Home      Dogs   Dogs for Sale  Dogs for Sale   Dog Breeds  Dog Breeds   Dog Health Directory  Dog Diseases     Dog Store       Custom Search   




 Go Pets America
  Showcase Ads   Animal Care Jobs
  Advertise   Pet Friendly Award
   Blogs    Animals
   Garden    Pet Supplies

Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Platelets play a central role in the maintenance of normal hemostasis and vascular repair. Decreased platelet numbers (thrombocytopenia) can result in bruising, petechiae, or even life-threatening bleeding. Purpura is a large area of purplish or brownish red discoloration, easily visible through the skin, caused by beeding into the tissues. The skin is of normal thickness. In humans, Immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is one of the most common forms of autoimmune disease affecting both adults and children. The thrombocytopenia of this disorder is associated with autoantibodies that are directed against various platelet membrane receptors, including platelet glycoproteins such as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) or GPIb/IX complexes. Binding of autoantibodies to these target antigens eventually results in platelet destruction by the reticuloendothelial system.

This disease occurs in acute and chronic form. Adults who develop ATP generally develop the chronic variety, which remains permanently with the patient. In this condition, bleeding may occur from mucous membranes (mouth and nose), gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder. Animals usually bruise easily and have prolonged bleeding after trauma.

TREATMENT
Treatment is directed towards maintaining the patient free of purpura, not restoring the platelet count to normal. Approximately 50% of patients respond to steroids by a significant elevation of platelet count and improvement of purpura. However, cessation of therapy results in eventual relapse if the disease is of the chronic variety. Immunosuppressive therapy is effective in approximately one-third of patients with the chronic form of the disease, but often relapses occur, requiring maintenance therapy with potentially harmful drugs.

In dogs there is marked disease predisposition in poodles, German Shepherd Dog and Cocker Spaniels.

Adapted from
1. S Karpatkin. Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. Volume 56, Issue 3, pp. 329-343, 09/01/1980
2. Mei Chang, Peggy A. Nakagawa, Shirley A. Williams, Michael R. Schwartz, Karen L. Imfeld, Jeffrey S. Buzby, and Diane J. Nugent. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) plasma and purified ITP monoclonal autoantibodies inhibit megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro. The American Society of Hematology. Blood, 1 August 2003, Vol. 102, No. 3, pp. 887-895
3. Bernard F. Feldman, Joseph G. Zinkl, Nemi Chand Jain. Schalm's Veterinary Hematology

 

Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.

 

 






Dogs   Pets   Cats   Horses   Birds   Small Animals   Search    Gadgets    Contact Us    Terms of Use    Privacy Policy  

©2003-2007 Go Pets America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.