Low platelet count

[Bonnie and Kona]

Owen and Kona have both been in the vet hospital for IV fluids twice this month for what appeared to be flu-like symptoms. This past week they both had a fever as well and had to get IV fluids for 24 hours. They came home with antibiotics. Kona seems just fine now. Owen showed a low blood platelet count. I don't know how low. (Kona did not have this symptom.)

The vet asked if he has had ticks. Neither has ever had a tick on them. 

They checked for pancreatitis in Owen but that wasn't it. I asked the vet why this would be and she said it was very strange for such a young dog to have low platelets (3 years old). He came home last night, and we are taking him back tonight for another blood draw. He has been lethargic all day but is keeping his food and water down. 

When I looked online for information it seemed the tick born disease and cancer were the most likely culprits. 

Anyone have any other ideas? Thank you. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Janie. We are ready to be feeling well.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Glad to see that his count went up.  Hopefully just some fluke and he is on his way to being his old self again.  My Niece has ITP and they get concerned when her platelets drop below 50 and usually do transfusions when she is below 20.  I would assume it is the same with a dog but for her when her platelets are low like that they need to be really sure that she doesn't get injured as her blood won't clot and she could bleed out really quickly should she get injured.  

[Bonnie and Kona]

This is such good information, Sheri! Thank you. Unfortunately I'm reading it as my DH walks the dogs. I told him that he absolutely cannot run them, but didn't think about the bleeding issue. I will be very aware. Thanks so much.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh, Bonnie,   I'm relieved to hear that Owen is alright.   It sounds like you've all had quite enough of health issues lately.  Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that December and the coming months will be healthy for all!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much, Carol. For dogs that are six and three and never went to the vet for anything other than regular shots until this year, it has been an alarming month. I'm just so grateful that the low platelets didn't turn into what it could have. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Bonnie, OMD! I just read through this discussion and went from horrified to worried to relieved to thankful all in a matter of minutes! A small sample of the roller coaster ride you must be on right now!  I'm praying that this is the beginning of healthier times for all of you and happier days ahead. Hugs to your doodles and you!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Ricki… I had to laugh when I read your reply. Yes, we had those emotions but over days instead of minutes. ;o) Hugs back atcha.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I just saw this post and am so glad that I read the update.  Hooray, I am so glad that Owen's platelet count is up.  I am sending pawsitive vibes from California to your family in Hawaii. Could the weight loss possibly be the extra swimming activities?

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Nancy! I think some weight loss could be due to the exercise at the beach, but he has lost 5 pounds this week. He was really sick. Happily he has been a bit more himself today, so we are expecting him to continue to improve.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

5 pounds - a lot!  I thought you meant since you had been there not in one week!  I am so glad he is improving,

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh yes… 10 pounds since we moved but 5 pounds this week. And he didn't eat breakfast. If he doesn't eat dinner or breakfast tomorrow we will be heading straight back to the vet. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Bonnie, how is Owen doing today? I hope he is feeling better. Did your vet mentioned any possibility of it being lepto? I read that it is pretty prevalent in Hawaii and can be picked up easily.. One thing I read mentioned that in some cases it causes blood clotting problems which I think would show as low platelets wouldn't it? Anyhow, thought I would mention it...

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/02/25...