I took Murphy in Tuesday for a routine teeth cleaning and lip shaving, to keep her lip infection at bay.  The vet suggested a blood panel, because she's getting older.  What a shock to discover that she had thrombocytopenia! 

That's a low platelet count. Normal is 200 to 500.  Hers was 94.  They sent a sample out to a reference lab for confirmation, as the counts aren't that accurate on the low end. The hand count confirmed it as low.  Their number was even worse - 50.  Platets are an integral part of coagulation and she was in real danger of uncontrolled bleeding.  It could be caused by any number of things or the cause might never be known.

Frank had a good idea about checking her current meds.  Turns out that her antihistamine could cause this.  Her other medication probably wouldn't cause thrombocytopenia, but could make it worse.  I immediately stopped both medications. 

I kept her quiet until I took her back on Thursday for another platelet count.  Have been on pins and needles waiting for the results.  The vet called this morning with good news.  The hand count showed that her platelets had doubled, since Tuesday.  They were 110.  Still low, but at least they're moving in the right direction.

We go back on Monday for another count.