Archive Case #108: Canine Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia

Clinical Clues

1. A previously well dog is presented after the owner notices quiet behavior and new skin changes.
2. The skin changes include bruising and tiny red spots rather than swelling or itch.
3. There is mucosal bleeding without a history of major trauma.
4. A complete blood count shows a profoundly reduced platelet count.
5. Clotting times are not markedly prolonged, pointing away from a clotting factor problem.
6. Immune-mediated destruction of circulating platelets can cause spontaneous petechiae, ecchymoses, and bleeding in dogs.

Diagnosis

Canine Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia

This case is most consistent with Canine Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia because the dog has spontaneous bleeding with severe thrombocytopenia and no evidence of a primary coagulation factor disorder. The most important clues are the petechiae and platelet count, which make rodenticide toxicity less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.