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==Thrombocytosis==
 
==Thrombocytosis==
Increases in platelets above the normal level may occur due to '''physiological''' or '''pathological''' processes.   
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Increased platelet number above normal levels may occur due to physiological or pathological processes.   
*Physiological
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**'''Splenic contraction''' pushes sequestered platelets into the circulation.  This phenomenon is especially marked in horses which have a muscular splenic capsule.   
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Physiological causes include:
**'''Splenectomy''' prevents the sequestration of platelets in the spleen, resulting in constantly increased levels of platelets.
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*'''Splenic contraction''' which pushes sequestered platelets into the circulation.  This phenomenon is especially marked in '''horses''' which have a muscular splenic capsule.   
**As part of a response to '''[[Anaemia - Introduction|anaemia]]''', a '''reactive thrombocytosis''' is often documented and this may precede signs of regeneration.
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*'''Splenectomy''' prevents the sequestration of platelets in the spleen, resulting in consistently increased levels of platelets.
*Pathological
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*As part of a response to [[Anaemia - Introduction|anaemia]] a '''reactive thrombocytosis''' is often documented and this may precede signs of regeneration.
**'''Essential thrombocythaemia''' is a rare myeloproliferative disease that results in the excessive production of platelets which function abnormally.  Affected animals suffer from bouts of spontaneous haemorrhage.
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Pathological
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*'''Essential thrombocythaemia''' is a rare myeloproliferative disease that results in the excessive production of platelets which function abnormally.  Affected animals suffer from bouts of spontaneous haemorrhage.
    
==Clinical Significance==
 
==Clinical Significance==
5,582

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