Search Results
,000 to 76,000 cells/μL) combined with marked thrombocytopenia (26,000 cells/μL; reference interval, 180 to 366 cells/μL), monocytosis (1,400 cells/μL; reference interval, 0 to 800 cells/μL), and mild neutropenia (2,000 cells/μL; reference interval, 2
Thrombocytopenia is a common hematologic abnormality in dogs and can result in clinically relevant bleeding. Underlying mechanisms in thrombocytopenia include decreased platelet production by the bone marrow, increased peripheral destruction, and
thrombocytopenia (23 × 10 9 platelets/L; reference range, 120 to 600 × 10 9 platelets/L). The cat was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, ON, for further evaluation. At the initial examination, the cat was
Dogs are frequently given chemotherapeutics during the treatment of neoplasia. Thrombocytopenia resulting from chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression is an important adverse effect of such treatment in humans. 1 This undesirable effect is not as
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a common cause of severe thrombocytopenia in dogs. 1 Immune-mediated platelet destruction can be primary with no underlying cause or secondary to drug administration, infection, neoplasia, or blood transfusion
duration. Additionally, thrombocytopenia 12 , 16 and leukocytosis are common findings. 11 To date, no reliable prognostic indicators readily available at presentation have been identified for dogs with splenic HSA treated with surgery and chemotherapy. 17
Abstract
Objective—To determine accuracy of a manual technique for detection of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in dogs receiving chemotherapy.
Design—Masked prospective study.
Animals—11 dogs treated with chemotherapy for neoplasia.
Procedure—124 blood samples from dogs being treated with chemotherapy for various neoplasms were processed through an automated cell counter, and results were compared with those obtained by use of a rapid manual technique for estimating neutrophil and platelet concentrations to determine whether the manual technique could accurately detect dogs with neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
Results—By use of automated techniques, neutropenia (< 3,000 cells/µl) was detected in 17 of 124 blood samples, and thrombocytopenia (< 100,000 platelets/µl) was detected in 3 of 124 blood samples. The manual technique correctly identified 16 of 17 (94%) blood samples with neutropenia, with a specificity of 92% (98/107). The manual technique correctly identified 3 of 3 (100%) blood samples with thrombocytopenia, with specificity of 94% (114/121).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Manual estimates of neutrophil and platelet counts are sensitive and specific; however, a full differential cell count is still preferable. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;220:1805–1806)
Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the effect of prednisone alone, compared with a combination of prednisone and vincristine, on platelet counts in bleeding dogs with severe primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT).
Design—Prospective case study.
Animals—24 dogs with severe primary IMT.
Procedure—All dogs received immunosuppressive doses of prednisone (1.5 to 2 mg/kg [0.7 to 0.9 mg/lb] of body weight, PO, q 12 h). In addition, 12 dogs received a single dose of vincristine (0.02 mg/kg [0.01 mg/lb], IV). Platelet count, transfusion requirement, and outcome were monitored. A response was defined as an increase in platelet count to ≥ 40,000/µl. Dogs in the prednisone group that failed to respond received 1 dose of vincristine on day 7.
Results—Dogs that received prednisone and vincristine had a significantly faster increase in platelet count to ≥ 40,000/µl than dogs that received prednisone alone (mean ± SD, 4.9 ± 1.1 vs 6.8 ± 4.5 days, respectively). A similarly rapid response was observed in dogs that received vincristine on day 7 after treatment with prednisone alone failed. Furthermore, duration of hospitalization was reduced in the vincristine group, compared with the prednisone group (5.4 ± 0.3 vs 7.3 ± 0.5 days, respectively). No adverse effects attributable to vincristine were observed in any dog.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of combined vincristine and prednisone is associated with more rapid increase in platelet numbers and shortened duration of hospitalization in dogs with IMT, compared with use of prednisone alone. Early use of vincristine seems warranted in dogs with severe primary IMT. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 220:477–481)
