Parvovirus & Thrombocytopenia
Parvovirus affects dogs of all ages, but puppies less than five months old have high mortality rates from parvovirus. It is highly contagious, and death can occur within 48 to 72 hours of clinical symptoms. A secondary symptom of the virus is thrombocytopenia, or low blood platelets.
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Parvovirus
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Parvovirus attacks the intestinal tract of dogs. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, which leads to severe dehydration. The dog's immune system works overtime to combat this virus. Fecal testing confirms parvovirus.
Thrombocytopenia
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Abnormally low platelets in the blood stream are defined as thrombocytopenia. Platelets help the blood to clot and in conditions of abnormal bleeding, thrombocytopenia is present.
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Immune System
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When a dog's immune system is attacked by parvovirus, the immune system may work so hard that it begins to make antibodies against other body components. Sometimes, the animal's own immune system will attack blood platelets and destroy them, which results in thrombocytopenia.
Diagnose Thrombocytopenia
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Signs of thrombocytopenia include bruising, bleeding gums, bloody urine, nosebleeds and depression. Collection of blood is required for diagnosis of low blood platelets.
Treating Parvovirus
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Treatment for parvovirus is entirely supportive and should be started immediately. Prevention of dehydration and control of vomiting are necessary to survival. Isolated dogs need warmth and aggressive nursing care.
Treating Thrombocytopenia
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Suppressing the immune system will assist in recovery from thrombocytopenia, but it may not be the best treatment for a dog fighting parvovirus. If internal bleeding occurs, platelet transfusions need to be administered. Balancing treatments for both parvovirus and secondary thrombocytopenia are complicated.
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References
- Photo Credit puppy image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com
