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Pug puppy has low red blood cells and platelets. Is it cancer? Curable?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 3 days old

A friend's pug puppy has been diagnosed with microcytic hypochromic with severe thrombocytopenia. What exactly does that mean? Is it cancer? Is it curable? He is just 11 months old pug.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 4th, 2017

It sounds like Luki has low red blood cells and platelets levels. This can occur for a number of reasons including autoimmune issues, infections, bone marrow problems and bleeding. Some forms of cancer can cause these issues but in an 11 month old dog an infection or autoimmune issue is probably more likely. In many cases this problem is treatable. Prognosis is better in situations where an underlying cause can be determined such as an infection or ingestion of rat bait. Depending on the severity of the anemia and low platelets, a blood transfusion may be recommended.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Microcytic mean the cells are small in size. Hypochromic mean they are lighter in color than normal. Thrombocytopenia means the platelet count is decreased. The first simple describe the cells and do no play a great role in a diagnosis. There are several reasons their platelet count be low. Cancer is one but would not be first on my list due to her age. Any tick borne disease can cause this or a immune system disorder. There are tests to run to check for tick disease and a bone marrow biopsy and help check for cancer or an immune system disorder. The cure depends on the underlying cause, but the immune system is a hard system to fight and can takes months of treatment

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