CASE REPORT: ISOIMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA IN SUCKLING PIGS

Two consecutive cases of hemorrhagic purpura characterized by severe subcutaneous bruising and extensive hemorrhages in the visceral organs of the affected suckling piglets occurred in a pig farm. A total of forty 2- to 3-day-old neonates were affected in the first case and there were eight 8- to 9-day-old piglets in the second case which occurred 3 months later. The hematological study of one affected piglet showed marked thrombocytopenia with macrocytic hypochromic anemia without coagulation factor impairment in the second case. Based on the presence of severe thrombocytopenia, extensive hemorrhagic lesions and restricted occurrence in particular suckling pigs, isoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura was suspected in both cases. This is the first such case reported in Taiwan.