[mscat]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Mmmm bruising, bleeding, It seems unlikely at your mom's dogs age that it would suddenly develop bleeding problem from a lack of clotting protiens. Sounds like a platelet disorder. Was a blood sample drawn and sent to a lab. If so did the blood flow too freely from the puncture site. And I'm forwarding this information to as something to check. It could possibly be a disease called immunemediated thrombocytopenia. IMTP (an auto immune deficency). Treatment for this condition is a high dose prednisone, which blunts immune attack on the platelets. Once the blood tests result numbers come. Platelets count should be over 200,00. If they're low it is more than likely IMTP.

IMTP is caused by by an aberran immune response. For some reason, the immune system decides to produce antibodies against platelets. The combination of the platelets and the antibody stuck to it is identified as something foreign by white blood cells called macrophages. They promptly cobble up the marked platelets.

Why the body decides to start producing antibodies against platelets is unclear. We do know that stress can precipitate an attack (she was in a pet hotel away from your mom).

The standard treatment for IMTP is glucocorticoid (steroid) such as prednisone or dexamethasone. It halts the platlet destruction. In some dogs this is not enough and they need stronger drugs such as vincristine or danazol.

A way to temporarily boost platelet numbers in an emergency is to give platelet-rich plasma. Alternatively, a whole blood transfusion can help increase red-blood cells as well as platelets, which useful if the dog is anemic. Transfusions do not restore the platelet numbers to normal, but they are elevated enough to stop bleeding

Afte treatment begins, platelets should be rechecked 3 days later and a week after that.

With this treatment, the dog will probably gain weight, and drink alot and urinate alot. Once the levels are regulated the prednisone dose will be lowered..... Remember this is an episode, and most of the time dogs will only have one attack. So, medication may only be needed for a few months...If platelet numbers begin to falter the dog will need ongoing treatment.

Take a look at this post , If I were you, I would print this out, and give it to your mother, so she can give to your vet.