Thrombocytopenia in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide-induced hemorrhage: eight cases (1990-1995)

Thrombocytopenia was documented in eight of 11 dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide-induced hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was transient and generally mild-to-moderate, but it became marked (i.e., less than 30,000 platelets/microl) in two cases. Petechial hemorrhages were not noted in any case. There was no relationship between hematocrit and platelet count. Platelet count changes in response to treatment with fresh-frozen plasma and isotonic electrolyte solutions were variable. Anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity should be included as a differential diagnosis for dogs with hemorrhage accompanied by mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia.