Platelet Disorders
Platelet disorders can arise when platelet numbers are decreased, or platelets fail to function properly. Platelet numbers are decreased when they are not produced adequately in the bone marrow, when they are destroyed, or when they are prematurely removed from the circulation. Dysfunction of platelets can occur as an inherited, congenital disorder, or may develop as an acquired condition later in life.
These disorders cause a decrease in the production of platelets:
Drugs toxic to the bone marrow
Infection of the bone marrow with certain bacteria, viruses, and rickettsia (e.g. Ehrlichiosis)
Immune mediated destruction of the bone marrow
Cancer of the bone marrow
Myelophthisis and myelofibrosis, which are scarring and disappearance of bone marrow cells
Excessive estrogen hormone influence on the bone marrow
These disorders result in increased platelet destruction:
Immune-mediated destruction of platelets
Certain drugs
Certain viral infections
These disorders cause increased removal of platelets from the circulation:
Ehrlichiosis in dogs
Vasculitis
Certain parasites
Certain disorders of the spleen
Disorders that affect the function of platelets include the following:
Congenital platelet function disorders
Certain drugs
Some infections
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Certain leukemias
Platelet disorders can arise when platelet numbers are decreased, or platelets fail to function properly. Platelet numbers are decreased when they are not produced adequately in the bone marrow, when they are destroyed, or when they are prematurely removed from the circulation. Dysfunction of platelets can occur as an inherited, congenital disorder, or may develop as an acquired condition later in life.
These disorders cause a decrease in the production of platelets:
Drugs toxic to the bone marrow
Infection of the bone marrow with certain bacteria, viruses, and rickettsia (e.g. Ehrlichiosis)
Immune mediated destruction of the bone marrow
Cancer of the bone marrow
Myelophthisis and myelofibrosis, which are scarring and disappearance of bone marrow cells
Excessive estrogen hormone influence on the bone marrow
These disorders result in increased platelet destruction:
Immune-mediated destruction of platelets
Certain drugs
Certain viral infections
These disorders cause increased removal of platelets from the circulation:
Ehrlichiosis in dogs
Vasculitis
Certain parasites
Certain disorders of the spleen
Disorders that affect the function of platelets include the following:
Congenital platelet function disorders
Certain drugs
Some infections
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Certain leukemias
