Platelet Function in Basset Hound Hereditary Thrombopathy

An inherited intrinsic platelet aggregation defect has been identified in Basset Hounds which clinically resembles the human disease, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. The defect was named Basset Hound Hereditary Thrombopathy (BHT) and initial studies revealed variably prolonged bleeding times, normal blood coagulation parameters, normal platelet count and morphology, normal whole blood clot retraction, and an abnormal platelet aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). An evaluation of the specific platelet defect included simultaneous measurement of dense granule release and aggregation, two dimensional electrophoretic and crossed immunoelectrophoretic techniques in order to determine if the defect was associated with platelet membrane glycoprotein abnormalities, and measurement of radiolabeled fibrinogen binding to ADP stimulated platelets. An analysis of two-dimensional and crossed-immunoelectrophoretic gels revealed no abnormalities in platelet protein/glycoprotein content when affected Basset Hound platelets were compared to normal dog platelets.