Introduction

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) are one of the most common types of diseases in dogs. Both IMHA and ITP can be classified as either “primary (idiopathic)” or “secondary.” In primary disease, an underlying cause of the immune destruction cannot be identified. In comparison, secondary IMHA or ITP occurs when the immune system inadvertently destroys its own red blood cells or platelets. IMHA and ITP frequently occur in dogs, and most affected dogs are middle-aged females.

Objectives

To identify idiopathic anemia with severe thrombocytopenia (< or =15.0 x 10³ platelets/µL), and to evaluate factors, erythrocytes and thrombocytes profile, treatment, and survival of dogs.

Methods

Retrospective and observational study in 5 dogs with idiopathic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia in Jakarta Animal Clinic (ACJ) and Jakarta Animal Hospital, Indonesia.

Results

Five dogs were identified with the diagnosis of idiopathic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia (Table 1). There were 1 dog (<1-year-old), 3 dogs (1-3-years-old) and 1 dog (>4-years-old). There were 3 dogs male and 2 dogs female. Breed of dogs were 3 shepherd dogs (German and Belgian), 1 Yorkshire dog, and 1 Samoyed dog. There were 2 dogs that were given blood transfusion therapy. The therapies associated with survival, 80% (4 dogs) survived and 20% (1 dog) died after more than twice blood transfusion therapy.

Table 1. Erythrocytes and thrombocytes profile in 5 dogs of cases in idiopathic anemia with severe thrombocytopenia in Jakarta Animal Clinic and Hospital in 2016–2017

Conclusions

Dogs in this study had a diagnosis of idiopathic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. The therapies associated with survival, 80% survived and 20% died.