A recent study by Wolf et al (Thromb. Haemost. 78: 1505-9, 1997) showed that administration of erythropoietin (EPO) to dogs at 500 units EPO/kg/day for 5 days caused a dramatic increase in the circulating number of young platelets and their reactivity, although the total platelet count fell. The authors concluded that EPO treatment not only regulates erythrocyte production but also stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis. This raises the question of whether the increased risk of thrombosis associated with the chronically elevated EPO levels in AIHA could be caused by EPO–potentiated platelet reactivity. Also, perhaps EPO treatment would be useful in managing cases of refractory thrombocytopenia.

Healthy members of this breed often show low circulating platelet counts and can have large platelets that sort outside the platelet "window" of automated platelet counters. These dogs do not require treatment for thrombocystopenia.

References: Dodds, J., Lab Clin Med. 82: pp 560-565, 1973; Knowler, et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc. 205: pp 1557-1561, 1994; Dodds, J., Clin Biochem Dom Anim, 5th ed. 1997, pp 241-283.