Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Primary immune-mediated low platelets in cats explained
By Wondratschek, Christina et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2010·Clinic for Small Animals, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Five cats were brought to the vet with severe low platelet counts, which can cause bleeding. They were diagnosed with primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (pIMT), a rare condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the platelets. The cats received blood transfusions and were treated with prednisolone, a steroid that helps reduce inflammation. Four of the cats improved and were able to go home, but sadly, one cat had to be euthanized due to breathing problems. This condition is important for cat owners to know about, especially if their pet shows signs of bleeding.
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Abstract
Feline primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (pIMT) is a rare condition, and only a few cases have been described in veterinary literature. Five cats with severe thrombocytopenia most likely due to pIMT are described. A flow cytometry platelet-bound antibody test was positive in all cats; underlying diseases or triggering factors causing thrombocytopenia were not detected. Three cats were transfused with blood type-compatible fresh whole blood; one cat received Oxyglobin as well. All cats were treated with prednisolone; one cat received chlorambucil in addition. Four cats responded to treatment and were discharged from the hospital. One cat was euthanized due to dyspnea. Primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is rarely diagnosed in cats, but it is important as a differential diagnosis in cats presented with surface bleeding.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20045832/