Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with nosebleeds and platelet problems from Ehrlichia canis
By Varela, F et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·1997·Centre Mè, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Thrombocytopathia and light-chain proteinuria in a dog naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old dog was brought in for frequent nosebleeds. While blood tests showed normal platelet counts, the dog had a prolonged bleeding time and some unusual proteins in its urine. The vet found that the dog was infected with Ehrlichia canis, a type of bacteria that can affect blood cells. After starting treatment with tetracycline, melphalan, and prednisone, the dog's condition improved quickly and stayed stable for at least three years.
People also search for: dog nosebleeds treatment · Ehrlichia canis in dogs · dog blood infection symptoms
Abstract
A 6-year-old dog was presented for evaluation of recurrent epistaxis. Platelet counts, biochemical tests, and coagulation tests were within the normal range, but a mucosal bleeding time was prolonged; there was hyperproteinemia and a monoclonal gammopathy. Heterogeneity of light chains appeared in urine, however, thus suggesting that the gammopathy was polyclonal. Platelet aggregation tests showed decreased responsiveness to collagen. An Ehrlichia canis indirect fluorescent-antibody titer was positive (1:40). Treatment with tetracycline, melphalan, and prednisone resulted in a rapid clinical improvement that persisted for at least 3 years.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9348500/