Dog with low platelet count and high amylase

[Aphro]

Hi,
I have a 10 year old Cocker Spaniel named Boofy. Until now he has been really active and never appeared to have any kind of problem. On Thursday-13/08/09 he stopped eating and started being really quiet comparing to his usual self. By Suturday he was lethargic, would not eat or drink and would stand up for very small periods, walk a bit (rather unsteadily) then collapse again. On Sunday morning we took him to the vet clinic. The blood test showed a very low platelet count but everything else was fine (WBC, RBC, etc). Then they tested the various enzymes and found that the amylase levels were high (everything else was normal again). These first results led to tests for Erlich (negative) and pancreatitis (positive). Pancreatitis however, though explains the high amylase levels, would not affect the platelets. Boofy is in the clinic on fluids (intravenous) for fear of dehydration and shows no signs of improvement or deterioration. No medication was given as we don't know what the problem is yet.
If anyone has any idea about what could be going wrong, or any suggestions, please post an answer. My family and I are getting somewhat desperate and are afraid that he won't make it.

Thank you, Aphro

[gradkate]

I am experiencing this same exact thing right now with my 5 year old Yorkie.  It is so frustrating.  I am waiting for the internal med consult.  My fear is that he is going to start deteorating fast.  What was the end result with your pooch?

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

I worry about immune mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), which is when the immune system destroys its own platelets. This can occur secondarily to rare reactions to drugs or vaccines (especially rabies) or to internal cancer, but in most cases an underlying cause cannot be found. Tick borne diseases such as ehrlichia  can also cause a low platelet count. Due to the high pancreatic enzyme, abdominal ultrasound is recommended to ensure there is no evidence of tumor, and if all is normal, then immunosuppressive therapy for ITP may be warranted. Your veterinarian may discuss referral to an internal medicine specialist to further diagnose and treat your cocker.
Good luck,
Kimberly Coyner DVM DACVD