Abstract
A Devon Rex cat was presented for bruises, petechie, and ecchymoses. Marked thrombocytopenia was the only primary abnormality noted on initial hematology and other testing. Thromboelastography and clinical signs supported the conclusion that this was a true thrombocytopenia. Use of optical platelet counting to detect large platelets and prostaglandin E1 to prevent platelet aggregation ruled out pseudothrombocytopenia. Exclusion of likely causes of thrombocytopenia and a rapid response to immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone suggested this was an immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Signs of bleeding returned when the prednisolone dosage was decreased, and the platelet count again increased rapidly to an increased dosage. Thromboelastography showed marked hypocoagulability and may be useful to differentiate true thrombocytopenia from pseudothrombocytopenia, which occurs commonly in cats.
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The authors want to acknowledge Bodil Ström Holst and Anna Hillström for their contribution to the manuscript.
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Öberg, J., Tvedten, H. Thromboelastography in a cat with steroid responsive thrombocytopenia. Comp Clin Pathol 19, 429–431 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-010-0978-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-010-0978-5