Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low platelet counts linked to Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs
By Bulla, Camilo et al.·Published in Veterinary research·2004·Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The relationship between the degree of thrombocytopenia and infection with Ehrlichia canis in an endemic area.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) were more likely to have an infection called Ehrlichia canis, which can cause serious health issues. Out of 217 dogs tested, those with very low platelet counts had a higher chance of testing positive for the infection. This suggests that checking platelet levels could be a useful way for vets to screen for this disease. If your dog has low platelet counts, it might be worth discussing the possibility of Ehrlichia canis with your veterinarian to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
People also search for: dog low platelet count · Ehrlichia canis symptoms · dog thrombocytopenia treatment
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is the causative agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. In order to evaluate platelet counts as a screening test for E. canis in an endemic area, 217 whole blood samples from dogs were divided into three groups: 71 non-thrombocytopenic samples (group A, platelet counts greater than 200 000/mL) and 146 thrombocytopenic samples (less than 200 000/mL). The thrombocytopenic group was further divided into 62 with platelet counts between 100 000-200 000/mL (Group B) and 84 samples with less than 100 000 platelets/mL (Group C). All samples were examined for the presence of a segment of the Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA gene using a nested polymerase chain reaction. Sixty-seven of the 217 samples (30.9%) were positive for the presence of the E. canis 16S rRNA gene; 53 (63.1%) of the group C samples and 13 (21%) of group B. Only one (1.4%) of the non-thrombocytopenic samples (Group A) was positive. These data support the concept that platelet counts may be a good screening test for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, and that the magnitude of thrombocytopenia may increase the reliability of diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15099511/