My dog has thrombocytopenia and black stools. Why isn't he anemic?

Question

Can someone help me understand my dog's bloodwork? Bloodwork: Neut 19.7H, Mono 2.5H, PLT 73L, HCT 44 (normal) but dehydrated. BUN 4L, Ca 6.6L, TP 5.1L, Alb 2L, Chol 45L, cPL – Normal. Key: H=High L=Low. My dog had black stools for about five days due to bleeding. This is what my vet said, "Interpretation: Dehydration, possible slight anemia, inflammatory profile, thrombocytopenia. Decreased proteins." I don't understand how my dog has thrombocytopenia but does not have anemia (HCT normal)?

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

A platelet count of 73 (which is actually 73,000 due to the way machines read this value) is decreased, but that level of thrombocytopenia is not likely to result in "spontaneous" bleeding--meaning he (she?) has enough platelets for his body to go through day to day normal low key activities without bleeding. However, this is a level (73,000) would be a red flag to avoid putting the dog in situations where we CREATE bleeding--ie we would be cautious if a surgery were needed, etc. A 73,000 thrombocytopenia is most likely "consumptive," meaning the platelets are being used up faster than the body can make them. In his case (her case? I don't see it specified) likely due to gastrointestinal bleeding resulting in the black stools. Therefore the body is doing 'ok' at keeping the bleeding under control in terms of preventing anemia, in that the platelets are doing their job. This is why the Hct is still normal. Additionally, and the reason for the comment of "possible slight anemia" is that the Hct will drop when the pet is better hydrated. Think of it like more concentrated iced tea, then you add some more water and its a little less concentrated. The Hct is 44, but once there is more "fluid" portion of the blood, the red blood cells get diluted a bit, so it may be more like in the high 30s (depending on the severity of the dehydration which I cannot gauge without a physical exam. ) I hope that is helpful! Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

My dog has thrombocytopenia and black stools. Why isn't he anemic?

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