Disease overview

Thrombopathia is a blood condition that is caused by defective platelet aggregation. Platelets play a major role in blood clotting. When there is injury to a vessel, platelets will clump together to plug the hole to prevent further bleeding. The platelets of dogs affected by thrombopathia are unable to stick to one another and form proper clots, which leads to excessive bleeding from injury or trauma.

Gene name

RASGRP2

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs first present with clinical signs as puppies. These may include nosebleeds, gingival bleeding, and small blood spots on the skin.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Hemostatic diseases are diagnosed with multiple blood tests that evaluate clotting times. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

, Eskimo Spitz,

Citations

Boudreaux MK, Catalfamo JL, Klok M. Calcium-diacylglycerol guanine nucleotide exchange factor I gene mutations associated with loss of function in canine platelets. Transl Res. 2007 Aug;150(2):81-92. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2007.03.006. Epub 2007 May 25. PMID: 17656327.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.