🔍 What Are Platelet & Clotting Disorders?

Cats can experience issues with blood clotting from quantitative problems (too few platelets = thrombocytopenia) or qualitative issues (normal count but dysfunctional platelets = thrombocytopathy) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. These may stem from immune causes, liver disease, genetic defects, drugs, or toxins :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

⚠️ Causes & When to Suspect

• Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP): immune system destroys platelets—rare in cats but serious :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Secondary causes: infections, drugs (estrogen, antibiotics, NSAIDs), bone marrow suppression, cancer :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Liver-related coagulopathy: impaired clotting factor or vitamin K deficiency from cholestasis/lipidosis :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Inherited platelet dysfunction: specific platelet receptor issues or von Willebrand–type syndromes :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Thrombocytopathia: normal count, dysfunctional platelets, bleeding episodes :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Thrombotic–thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): platelet clumping triggers consumption, followed by bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🚩 Signs & Symptoms

• Spontaneous bleeding: gums, nose, ears, anus, urine, stools :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Bruising (petechiae, ecchymoses), hematomas, prolonged bleeding after minor injuries or injections :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Internal bleeding: pale gums, weakness, tachycardia, collapse :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Bleeding tendencies despite normal platelet count → suspect platelet dysfunction :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🔬 Veterinary Evaluation

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with manual smear review to avoid artefacts (clumping common in cats) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
2. Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time (BMBT) to assess platelet function :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
3. Clotting tests: PT for extrinsic, aPTT for intrinsic pathways :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
4. Specific assays: von Willebrand factor, platelet aggregation studies, Factor VIII/IX, ADAMTS13 for TTP suspicion :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
5. Bone marrow evaluation or PCR/serology to rule out infections, neoplasia, or immune-mediated causes :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
6. Liver diagnostics: blood chemistry, ultrasound, vitamin K response test if coagulopathy suspected :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

🛠️ Treatment & Medical Management

1. Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelets)

• Immune‑mediated (ITP): Immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone +/- azathioprine/cyclosporine), IVIG, platelet transfusions, rest :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Acute bleeding: Whole blood or platelet-rich plasma transfusions :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Underlying causes: Stop offending drugs; treat infections or neoplasia; support bone marrow production :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

2. Thrombocytopathy (Platelet Dysfunction)

• Address underlying liver disease or vitamin K deficiency :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Specific therapy for inherited platelet disorders (usually supportive) :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

3. Coagulopathy from Liver Disease

• Supplement vitamin K if deficiency suspected, especially with cholestasis :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Supportive care, treat liver disease, transfuse plasma or blood before procedures :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

4. Thrombotic–Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP-like)

• Treat underlying disorder; plasma exchange in severe cases; immunosuppression :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.

🏡 Home Care & Monitoring

• Reduce bleeding risk: smooth play, indoor lifestyle, trimmed nails.
• Monitor for signs: bruises, bleeding, lethargy, pale gums.
• Ensure cage rest after a bleeding episode or procedure.
• Track medications and use **Ask A Vet** app for reminders and early alerts.
• Provide soft, cozy bedding from **Woopf** & **Purrz** to support comfort and reduce trauma risk.

📅 Follow-Up & Prognosis

• ITP: variable—some recover with treatment, others require long-term management; monitoring PT/aPTT and platelet count is essential :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Liver/coagulopathy: improves with liver healing and vitamin K support.
• Inherited platelet disorders: manage bleeds expectantly; prognosis varies.
• TTP-like cases: guarded; early diagnosis improves odds.
• Recheck CBC, clotting tests, and liver function regularly—every 4–12 weeks based on severity.

📝 Quick Reference Table