Macrothrombocytopenia

Overview

Macrothrombocytopenia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

Characteristics and Symptoms

The disease is characterised by low platelet count and larger than normal platelets.

Over half of all cavalier King Charles spaniels may have both an abnormally low number of platelets and also have oversized platelets in their blood. This benign condition is called idiopathic asymptomatic thrombocytopenia and is normal in cavaliers, requiring no treatment.

Prevention

Testing is available. Animals are characterised as clear, affected heterozygous or affected homozygous. Affected homozygous animals are more severely affected than affected heterozygous animals.

Possible Test Results :

  • Clear
  • Single Copy Affected
  • Double Copy Affected
  • Hereditary Clear
  • Hereditary Single Copy Affected
  • Hereditary Double Copy Affected
More MTC Information (opens a new window)