Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with immune anemia and low platelets linked to Anaplasma infection
By Bexfield, N H et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2005·Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia associated with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old crossbreed dog was brought to the vet after showing severe lethargy, fever, and not wanting to eat for several days. The vet found pale gums, small bruises on the skin, swollen lymph nodes, and fluid in the joints. Blood tests revealed the dog had severe anemia and low platelet counts, and tests confirmed an infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a type of bacteria. Despite treatment with doxycycline and steroids, the dog's condition worsened, leading to severe complications, and unfortunately, the decision was made to euthanize the dog.
People also search for: dog lethargy and fever · Anaplasma infection in dogs · dog anemia treatment · why is my dog bruising · canine ehrlichiosis symptoms
Abstract
A 10-year-old, crossbreed dog was presented with a history of severe lethargy, pyrexia and inappetence of several days' duration. Clinical examination revealed pallor of the mucous membranes, petechiae, generalised lymphadenopathy and effusions in multiple joints. Laboratory evaluation showed severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia, with positive in-saline agglutination and the presence of antiplatelet antibodies. The DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an endemic granulocytic rickettsial parasite, was detected by PCR. A poor response to doxycycline and immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids was seen. Euthanasia was performed after the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Postmortem examination demonstrated changes consistent with the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and infection with granulocytic ehrlichiosis. This case documents the presence of canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis caused by A phagocytophilum in the U.K., and highlights the range of clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities that may be observed in infected dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16300116/