Hello--
I think I’ve found some useful information for you. Male boxers do
not seem to have any special characteristic that would cause this
disorder, except for their species: dog. What I found would
indicate that thrombocytopenia is not something to take lightly, but
that in the absence of serious underlying illness, and with treatment,
the prognosis is very good.
Let’s start off with a couple of definitions:
Thrombocytopenia is a “reduction in platelets (thrombocytes)”
“In immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) [NOTE: this term seems to
be more commonly used than autoimmune thrombocytopenia—bizguy], the
reduction happens because there is increased destruction of platelets
by the body's own immune system, at a rate faster than they are
produced in the bone marrow.” In other words, the body’s immune
system is mistakenly attacking it’s own platelets.
Now, for the cause(s): “IMT may be secondary to some other process
(such as an infection, tumour, or drug reaction) or it may be primary,
meaning that no other causative factor can be found. It is more common
in certain breeds, suggesting there is an inherited component. IMT may
occur by itself or with other conditions like systemic lupus
erythematosus and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.” Females are more
prone, and especially susceptible breeds are old English sheepdog,
cocker spaniel, and poodle. IMT can also affect cats.
Canine Inherited Disorders Database, University of Prince Edward
Island, Canada.
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/immune%20disorders/immune-mediated%20thrombocytopenia.htm
Other Useful Links:
VetInfo.com: Thrombocytopenia
http://www.vetinfo.com/dthrombo.html
Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Client Information Series (by
Carol Norris, DVM, DACVIM, UC Davis)
http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/imhaitphandout.htm
VetMedCenter Q&A on Thrombocytopenia
http://www.vetmedcenter.com/Consumer/display.asp?id=8671&dt=p
Search terms:
Autoimmune
Thrombocytopenia
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Dogs
Boxers
Veterinary
I wish you, and your animal companion, well. Please let us know if
you need anything clarified. |
