Asymptomatic thrombocytopenia in Akitas: a prospective cross‐sectional study of platelet characteristics in an Eastern Australian population

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic thrombocytopenia, often associated with macroplatelets, is an important clinical entity that may be misdiagnosed as immune thrombocytopenia due to analyser limitations and low clinician awareness. It is well recognised in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and other breeds, and has been reported in Akitas in the United States. However, its occurrence and significance in Australian Akitas remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen clinically healthy Akitas and 11 control dogs from Eastern Australia were evaluated. Blood samples were analysed using an automated haematology analyser, with manual platelet counts and blood film examination performed for comparison. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: /L) was identified in 83% of Akitas, while all controls had platelet counts above this threshold. Automated platelet counts were significantly lower than manual counts in Akitas, but not in controls. Macroplatelets were observed in a minority of dogs (11% of Akitas, 9% of controls). Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in Akitas. Additionally, Akitas had lower mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent than controls, and an increased red cell distribution width consistent with anisocytosis. American Akitas had a lower mean corpuscular volume than Japanese Akitas. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic thrombocytopenia was common in Australian Akitas but was not consistently associated with macroplatelets. Discrepancies between automated and manual platelet counts highlight the risk of underestimation by analysers. The condition occurred in both Japanese and American Akita lines without major platelet differences. Awareness and manual confirmation are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.