Increased number of platelets call for review of thrombocytosis
A: Many veterinarians in their interpretation of the routine
canine CBC often pay little to no attention to the number of
platelets, especially if the total platelet count is increased
above the normal expected range. This is not good! Therefore,
let's proceed with a brief review of canine thrombocytosis.
Platelets are an integral part of the blood's clotting
mechanism, enabling the dog's body to control bleeding at the
site of injury. When a wound occurs, several changes occur to
minimize blood loss. First, the blood vessel slows the flow of
blood past the wound site. Next, platelets collect at the wound
site to form a plug, which is replaced by a cellular clot until
the wound heals. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and
are removed from the blood by the spleen. Therefore, the bone
marrow and spleen work together to regulate platelet numbers in
the blood. Platelet numbers can increase because of increased
bone marrow production or decrea