Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnosing canine anaplasmosis by blood smear and blood tests
By Kirtz, G & Leidinger, E·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2015·Georges Kirtz·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: In-clinic diagnosis of canine anaplasmosis based on haematological abnormalities and evaluation of a stained blood smear.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 57 dogs showing signs of illness were tested for canine anaplasmosis, a tick-borne infection. Most of these dogs had low platelet counts, and many also had low red blood cell counts, indicating anemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by examining blood samples under a microscope. The study found that typical blood changes, like low platelet and white blood cell counts, can help vets diagnose this condition quickly. Treatment often involves antibiotics, and most dogs respond well once they start receiving care.
People also search for: dog anaplasmosis symptoms · low platelet count in dogs · dog blood test results explained
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Haematological changes, evaluation of a blood smear and seasonal variations may assist in an in-clinic diagnosis of acute anaplasmosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples from 57 dogs were evaluated. The diagnosis of canine anaplasmosis was confirmed by detection of the microorganism by microscopic examination of a stained blood smear. RESULTS: Thrombocytopenia was present in 56 dogs (98.2%). Red blood cell count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin values were below the reference interval in 38.6%, 24.5% and 26.3% of affected dogs respectively. Based on reticulocyte counts, a non-regenerative anaemia was present in 78.6% of A. phagocytophilum-positive dogs. Leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, monocytosis and eosinophilia were present in 35.1%, 66.7%, 10.9%, 5.7% and 15.4% of the dogs respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that together with clinical signs, a tentative diagnosis of canine anaplasmosis can be made based on typical haematological changes. The most common haematological abnormalities in dogs affected by canine anaplasmosis were a thrombocytopenia and a lymphopenia; most cases of anaemia were non-regenerative.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25727560/