loe platelets

If your one year old golden retriever has a very low  platelet count (15,000) Should he be treated with steroids? A high dosage I may add. Thanks Neen

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Your vet must believe that your dog has an immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.  Thrombocytopenia means low platelets.  If it is immune-mediated thrombocytopenia it means that your dog's anti-bodies see platelets as invaders and attack them.  Steroids help to decrease the antibody response to preserve the platelets.  So, to answer your question: steroids are a necessary and important part of the treatment.  G.I. protectants, such as Pepcid can help with the gastrointestinal side effects caused by the steroids

Another important part of treating thrombocytopenia is identifying the cause and treating it.  Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia can be primary or secondary.  The most common secondary causes are drug and vaccine reactions, tick borne diseases, and neoplasia.  Primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a congenital disorder.