Open AccessProbable Essential Thrombocythemia in a Dog
Author(s) -
Hopper Patrick E.,
Mandell Carol P.,
Turrel Jane M.,
Jain Nemi C.,
Tablin Fern,
Zinkl Joseph G.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1989.tb03083.x
Subject(s) - medicine , thrombocytosis , bone marrow , pathology , essential thrombocythemia , platelet , megakaryocyte , basophilia , haematopoiesis , biology , stem cell , genetics
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) in an 11‐year‐old dog was characterized by persistently high platelet counts (range, 4.19 × 10 6 /μl to 4.95 × 10 6 /μl), abnormal platelet morphology, marked megakaryocytic hyperplasia in the bone marrow, absence of circulating megakaryoblasts, and history of splenomegaly and gastrointestinal bleeding. Increased numbers of megakaryocytes and megakaryoblasts (15% to 20%) in the bone marrow were confirmed by a positive acetylcholinesterase reaction. Another significant finding was the presence of a basophilia in blood (4,836//tl) and bone marrow. The marked persistent thrombocytosis, absence of reactive (secondary) thrombocytosis, abnormal platelet morphology, and quantitative and qualitative changes in the megakaryocytic series in the bone marrow suggested the presence of a myeloproliferative disease. Cytochemical and ultrastructural findings aided in the diagnosis of ET. The dog was treated with radiophosphorus. The result was a rapid decline in the numbers of megakaryoblasts and megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and platelets and basophils in the peripheral blood. The dog died unexpectedly of acute necrotizing pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus before a complete remission was achieved.