Section: Follow-up
Optimal treatment for your dog requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be crucial. Administer as directed any medications prescribed by your veterinarian and notify your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your dog.
If your dog is at home while his platelet count is very low, keep the animal calm and confined to minimize the chance of bruising and bleeding. Observe your dog closely for signs of bleeding. Look at the whites of the eyes (sclera), gums, and skin for characteristic red spots (petechiae) or bruises (ecchymoses). Call your veterinarian immediately if you observe any petechiae, bruising, or bleeding or if your dog becomes very lethargic or shows any abnormal behavior.
Return to your veterinarian on a regular basis to re-evaluate the platelet count until platelet numbers approach normal. There is no substitute for an accurate blood platelet count.
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