Canine Platelet Concentrate is now available from Pet Blood Bank UK
Pet Blood Bank is proud to support the veterinary profession with quick and convenient access to Canine Platelet Concentrate.
Indications for use
Platelet transfusions are indicated in the management of uncontrolled or life-threatening bleeding due to severe thrombocytopenia or thrombopathia. They can be used for short term reduction in bleeding in the actively haemorrhaging dog. There typically will not be an increase in circulating platelet count post transfusion due to the transfused platelets being consumed, especially in immune mediated thrombocytopenia where platelet destruction is accelerated. As platelets are activated, they release growth factors such as platelet-derived, epidermal, vascular, endothelial, and insulin, which all stimulate tissue repair and the development of new blood vessels.
Benefits of Platelet Concentrate
Platelet Concentrate provides lifesaving haemostasis. This allows time for further investigations to be undertaken or for specific treatments and/or interventions to be given or have time to take effect. Prophylactic platelet transfusions may also be considered in patients with hereditary thrombopathias and a known bleeding tendency prior to surgery in certain circumstances.
Possible causes of low platelet count include:
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia (IMTP) – either primary (idiopathic) or secondary
- Drug reactions
- Infectious diseases
- Toxins
- Disorders of the bone marrow
- Extensive bleeding, often secondary to trauma or neoplasia
- Severe coagulation disorders
- Hereditary disorders
IMTP and platelet transfusions
While IMTP is one of the most common causes of critical thrombocytopenia in dogs, platelet transfusions are not recommended in the majority cases because the transfused platelets will be destroyed rapidly if the disease process is not yet under control. However, in dogs with IMTP experiencing uncontrolled or life-threatening bleeding (e.g., into lungs, brain, or heart), platelet transfusions may provide lifesaving short-term haemostasis. However, they are unlikely to increase platelet counts significantly post-transfusion.
Calculating Platelet Concentrate dosage
The dose is one unit of Canine Platelet Concentrate per 10kg body weight. One standard unit is approximately 65ml.
For further information regarding the administration of Platelet Concentrate, please see the product data sheet at the bottom of this page.
How to access Platelet Concentrate
The shelf life of Platelet Concentrate is 5 days from the date of collection. As such, this product is only available on a same day delivery service.
To order Canine Platelet Concentrate, please call us on 01509 232 222.
