Happy New Year! I hope this message finds all my faithful furry (and otherwise) readers well. With the new year comes new responsibilities for yours truly, as I was recently named the chief barketing officer at Petersen Pet Hospital! I’m honored and humbled to receive this promotion, and I promise, with all four paws, to serve our clients and my fellow Petersen Pet Hospital team members to the best of my ability. As my first act in this new role, I’d like to share some tips for keeping your dogs safe and happy this winter. I’m quite the expert on the topic, as I love running around and playing in the snow. First and foremost, remember that if being outside is cold for you, it’s definitely cold for SAM’S CORNER Cold-Weather Canine Care
The Routine Checkup That Saved His Life JAKE’S STORY
us . Be sure to limit our outdoor walking and playtime in below-freezing temperatures this time of year, especially when there’s a wind chill. If your canine companion has short hair, be sure to bundle them up in a sweater or coat to help keep them warm. Of course, cold cars are never fun for us dogs, so please never leave us in one!
Jake the pug has always been a happy little guy: full of wiggles, snorts, and tail wags. When his dad brought him to Petersen Pet Hospital for his annual checkup, everything seemed perfectly normal. He was eating, playing, and loving life. His visit was just meant to be routine: an exam, some bloodwork, a few extra treats, and back home again. When his bloodwork results came back, our team was shocked to discover that Jake had almost no platelets in his bloodstream.
Platelets are tiny cells that assist
with blood clotting. Without them, even a minor bump or bruise can lead to dangerous
internal bleeding. The condition
Jake was diagnosed with is called immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP). In dogs with IMTP, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the body’s own platelets. This issue can happen suddenly and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Common signs of IMTP include bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or small red spots on the skin or gums, known as petechiae . However, some dogs, like Jake, may show no outward symptoms at all until the condition becomes severe.
Thanks to his routine wellness testing, I was able to catch Jake’s condition early. He was immediately started on corticosteroids , a medication that helps calm the immune system and stop it from attacking the platelets. Over several weeks, Jake’s platelet count began to climb and stabilize. We’re happy to report that he made a full recovery! Jake’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of regular exams and bloodwork for our pets, even when they appear perfectly healthy. Early detection can make all the difference in identifying hidden problems before they become emergencies. Today, Jake is back to living his best pug life, enjoying walks, treats, and plenty of adventures. We’re so glad he came in when he did! —Dr. Lindsey Leo
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