Tally's CBC came back with a low hematocrit score, and the vet is concerned. Tango and Finn both got A+ on their CBC tests, but not Tally Does anyone know what could cause this? He is not bleeding internally, they know for sure. Her best guess is it's connected to tick stuff, and he'll have something called a PCR to see if there is any live anaplasmosis even though we treated it aggressively this fall. I am worried though Tally was awesome at Rally tonight and he is glossy, playful, and asymptomatic. What exactly is a hematocrit?
Ljilly28
From Medline: A Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells. It gives a percentage of red blood cells found in whole blood. This test is almost always ordered as part of a complete blood count.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/sea...sults.html?cx=004648649079220370488:zwflpnggfls&cof=FORID:9&q=Low+hemocrit+#708
This site I find very helpful.
Its a measure of how many red blood cells there are in the blood basically.
It could be low because of anaemia- maybe due to parasites like you said. It could also be any disease that causes blood loss, the break down of the blood cells or something that reduces the amount of red blood cells produced.
I really don't know enough to give you a good idea sorry
it would be best to talk to your vet and they will answer any questions you have. I am a vet nurse but have limited knowledge on this.
I hope everything works out ok and its nothing serious. I'm sure it will all be fine
It could be low because of anaemia- maybe due to parasites like you said. It could also be any disease that causes blood loss, the break down of the blood cells or something that reduces the amount of red blood cells produced.
I really don't know enough to give you a good idea sorry
it would be best to talk to your vet and they will answer any questions you have. I am a vet nurse but have limited knowledge on this.I hope everything works out ok and its nothing serious. I'm sure it will all be fine
I am not that familiar with the other tick diseases. You might want to ask the question on the Tick-L list, or check out Gil Ash's very informative tick pages:
http://blackgsd.googlepages.com/ehrlichiosis
I wouldn't panic yet-there is something going on but now you just need to figure out what it is.
Fingers crossed that it is something simple and easy to fix.
http://blackgsd.googlepages.com/ehrlichiosis
I wouldn't panic yet-there is something going on but now you just need to figure out what it is.
Fingers crossed that it is something simple and easy to fix.
I'm glad the experts chimed in, sorry I can't help. Seems to be the only thing my dogs have never had!
Hematocrit, or packed cell volume, measures thevolume of red blood cells as a percentage of the whole blood. Low PCV indicates anemia, normal is 37-55 percent. A MCV (mean corpuscle volume - determines size of the red cells) and RDW (red cell distribution width - a relative measurement of the variation in size of the red cell poplution ) might be done to help determine if the anemia is acute (hemorrhage) or chronic, as might occur with liver or kidney disease. Since tick bourne disease has been an issue before, this is probably why the vet doesn't think it is acute.
Some thing just dawned on me... will the vet repeat the HCT to make sure there wasn't an error. It's possible not probable but its worth a shot.
What is his hct????? Here is a basic article on anemia. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/anemia-in-dogs/page1.aspx It's important to find the underlying cause. Hopefully, it is something that can be easily treated. If it, in fact, is tick related, it would seem that any autoimmune problem could be ruled out. That's good news. Our rescue springer we adopted knowing he had an autoimmune anemia. His hematocrit at it's lowest was 18..... all of his other CBC values were abnormal also. It took months of treatment with steroids and antibiotics to correct. Luckily, he is now doing well and has been off all meds for almost 2 years. He had a CBC last week and his hct was 45..... very normal.
Depending on how low the hct is, I would not exert him until you have a diagnosis. Keep watch on his gums, that they don't turn white or gray.
Depending on how low the hct is, I would not exert him until you have a diagnosis. Keep watch on his gums, that they don't turn white or gray.
DO YOU KNOW HOW LOW IT WAS? WHEN HUNTER'S DROPPED TO 9.7 WHEN HE WAS IN ICU WITH AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA, HE WAS GIVE 2 UNITS OF BLOOD AND THAT ONLY BROUGHT IT UP TO 18 AND IT FELL AGAIN WITHIN HOURS. iI DO NOT KNOW HOW LOW IT DROPPED THAT CAUSED HIM TO GET A 2ED TRANSUFSION A FEW DAYS LATER, BUT ALL WAS IN VAIN BECAUSE THE AIHA AND THE LIVER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THAT STINKING PROHEART6 WAS TO MUCH FOR MY GOLDEN BOY.
Oh, I'm so relieved to see you say his hct was 35, which is only barely below normal. My vet told me he rarely sees dogs in the 50's... and most of those are sight hounds. I still would keep an eye on his gums and follow thru with further testing. Also, his degree of hydration at time of testing can effect his reading.
Has he ever had a CBC before??? It might be that he runs lower than your other dogs normally too.
Has he ever had a CBC before??? It might be that he runs lower than your other dogs normally too.
Low hematocrit is also a signal of Ehrlichiosis...another tick borne disease. (However Anaplasmosis used to be lumped in with Ehrlichiosis, but now is classified as a separate disease)
Pretty generally, doxycycline will be prescribed.
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Medicine/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/506867
The article states that they tend to see these diseases more in Goldens and Labs over 8 years of age:
Pretty generally, doxycycline will be prescribed.
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Medicine/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/506867
The article states that they tend to see these diseases more in Goldens and Labs over 8 years of age:
One thing that worries me(Good point, PG, I'm definitely going to fret until it's resolved) is that Tally took a high dose of Doxycycline for 6 weeks, and only finished a few weeks ago. There's some kind of chronic erlichia carrier status that forebodes problems, and another kind that is more about antibodies. He has to take a PCR test for anaplasmosis DNA(???), to see if the infection is dead or alive. Freaks me out bc he is so young.
Is there any nutritional support for anemia in dogs?
Is there any nutritional support for anemia in dogs?
Sending prayers and good wishes for dear Tally and you too Jill!
The people on this board are more than amazing! Not only the knowledge that is always present but the quick jump to help any of us in need!!! Love you guys!
The people on this board are more than amazing! Not only the knowledge that is always present but the quick jump to help any of us in need!!! Love you guys!
Thanks for all the incredible information and support. This forum is very empowering, and sometimes more up to date than my vets are! Tally is going for his PCR test this morning, which hopefully will explain his low hematocrit. Jean Dodds wrote back to my vet and me at 3:45 AM on a Saturday, which is amazing dedication, so she will run the test in her lab instead of Idexx, and then work to solve the issue. If it's not erlichia/anaplasmosis, then I will take him to Tufts just for peace of mind.
Tango is still negative for all tick things, and Finn's CBC and C6 showed an ideal response to doxy with an A+ CBC(Yes, they get letter grades from the vet so patients will be clear on the seriousness of the results). I wonder if Tally has a tougher time bc he either was born with a tick problem or acquired it at a few weeks old, or if his anemia is unrelated(seems unlikely) , or if the early infection damaged his bone marrow, or if he has an ongoing infection in a chronic way?? I am worried, so it's really nice to have the forum!
Tango is still negative for all tick things, and Finn's CBC and C6 showed an ideal response to doxy with an A+ CBC(Yes, they get letter grades from the vet so patients will be clear on the seriousness of the results). I wonder if Tally has a tougher time bc he either was born with a tick problem or acquired it at a few weeks old, or if his anemia is unrelated(seems unlikely) , or if the early infection damaged his bone marrow, or if he has an ongoing infection in a chronic way?? I am worried, so it's really nice to have the forum!
Yesterday was tough. 760$ of tests bc Tally's hematocrit was even lower (29) with a swollen lymph node. . . PCR for erlichia etc, lymphoma needle biopsy, thyroid test, radiographs. . . all kinds of things, so we will see. What consoles me is that he seems really playful, glossy, and fit, with shining eyes and eating well. . . Gums look pretty pink and temp is normal Three vets in the practice who love Tally, and are proud they saved him as a baby, gathered around and worked together with him. They are going to put him back on Doxycycline as they are pretty sure erlichia/anaplasmosis is the one thing that explains all their finding. The PCR test takes 10 whole days to come back. Incedently, one of the receptionists is in the hospitial on IV antibiotics with her own relapse of Lyme. I want to move states to somewhere with no ticks! They are learning that while it does take that traditional 24-48 hours to transmit Lyme, that Anaplasma probably takes only about three hours. Frontline doesnt work that fast, and the Preventic collars are dangerous to cats and if dogs pull on each others collars. It's an intimidating problem for dogs who are out in the woods&fields.
I'll be keeping you and Tally in my thoughts and prayers until those test results are in. Hugs to you both.
I know you're worried, but it sounds like you have a great vet team working together on sweet Tally. I double checked doxy's side effects to make sure there wasn't some rare side effect of anemia, but it doesn't look like that's an issue. PCR testing is a bit time consuming...(I got to do it with fungal samples several years ago and it was just fascinating). After the DNA is replicated, it has to be 'sequenced' to determine if it really IS Ehrlichia, or some other bacterium, or even just a contaminate. So it takes a bit.
I don't know Tally's history...was he ill as a pup with the same thing?
Hugs and positive patience to you! And a BIG hug to Tally:
I don't know Tally's history...was he ill as a pup with the same thing?
Hugs and positive patience to you! And a BIG hug to Tally
:
Yes, several pups didnt make it, and one brother died on the same exact day my vets solved the mystery. Doxy made him go from crisis to playful in 48 hours. It was an amazing lesson in the power of anitbiotics. However, they are wondering if maybe the bacteria damaged his bone marrow or if the bacteria is still alive. As you know, I'm head over heels in love with the dog, so i do worry. I trust my vets though, and I am pleased they are talking with Idexx, UNC, and Jean Dodds. It's cool seeing them powwow and problem solve. He's just 18 months, so I think he should be in a healthy stage of his life!
I'm going to have to get "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning) tatoo'd on my forehead!
I'm still reading it, but found a good site (Scroll down to Jaspar's story)
http://www.vintagegoldens.com/tick.htm
You've probably seen this site already....but thought I'd throw it out to you.
Nasty ticks....come to WV, it's not so bad here...yet
I'm still reading it, but found a good site (Scroll down to Jaspar's story)
http://www.vintagegoldens.com/tick.htm
You've probably seen this site already....but thought I'd throw it out to you.
Nasty ticks....come to WV, it's not so bad here...yet
Okay, I am swearing off research until the PCR test comes back. I'd never even heard of this tick disease, and it is scary, scary!
Because Babesia is a tick-borne infection, it is not unusual for infected dogs to have other tick-borne infections such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. These infections may interact to make each other more severe. If the acute symptoms are relatively mild or at least non-lethal, a chronic infection can develop. This is usually without symptoms but the dog may continue to be a source of infection to feeding ticks. Relapses can also occur with stress.
Young dogs tend to be most severely infected, especially. Pit Bull terriers.
DIAGNOSIS OF BABESIOSIS
If one is very lucky, the Babesia organisms can be seen on a blood smear. Babesia canis organisms are tear-shaped and occur in pairs. Other Babesia species have several forms in which they appear. Odds of finding the organism are improved by checking freshly drawn blood taken from a capillary source ( a small cut to an ear, for example) rather than from a blood vessel. If Babesia organisms are found, the patient is definitely infected but they are hard to find so an alternative method of diagnosis is needed.
Antibody testing has been problematic as infected animals may have circulating antibodies long after the organism is gone or may have no antibodies circulating while a few organisms remain hidden inside red blood cells.
The current method of diagnosis involves PCR testing. This is extremely sensitive testing and can distinguish 4 different species of Babesia. While only certain laboratories run this type of testing, this is really the best method of answering the Babesia infection question.
BABESIA TREATMENT
Therapy for Babesia is not a benign under-taking. In fact, if a dog is asymptomatic with Babesia, treatment is not worth the side effects. Further, even with treatment Babesia gibsoni, and probably the other small Babesia species, cannot be fully cleared by any of the drugs listed. Female dogs testing positive for Babesia should not be bred.
Diminazene Aceturate
This drug is not available in the U.S. but in other countries is the most commonly used treatment. A single injection is needed and is best used on Babesia canis. Side effects include: nausea, blood pressure drop, painful injection, seizures, and some fatal reactions.
Imidocarb Dipropionate
This is the only drug approved for Babesiosis in the U.S. A single dose is usually effective for Babesia canis but two given two weeks apart are needed for Babesia gibsoni and the other smaller Babesias. The injection is painful plus causes muscle tremors, drooling, elevated heart rate, shivering, fever, facial swelling, tearing of the eyes, and restlessness. Pre-treatment with an injection of atropine helps palliate these side effects.
Trypan Blue
This medication serves to block the parasite from entering red blood cells and may help minimize the symptoms of the infection. Side effects are minimal and it is given as an IV drip.
Phenamidine Isethionate
This drug is not available in the U.S. but a similar drug, Pentamidine isethionate, is. It is more effective on Babesia canis.
Quinuronium Sulfate
This drug is not available in the U.S. It is similar to malarial treatment. It is given as a series of two injections two days apart generally with marked improvement in the patient by the second injection.
A combination therapy of quinine, azithromycin, atovaquone, and/or clindamycin are promising and may become prominent in the future.
A vaccine is available against Babesia in France but only seems effective against certain strains. Vaccination is 89% effective in France. The best prevention is aimed at tick control.
Because Babesia is a tick-borne infection, it is not unusual for infected dogs to have other tick-borne infections such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. These infections may interact to make each other more severe. If the acute symptoms are relatively mild or at least non-lethal, a chronic infection can develop. This is usually without symptoms but the dog may continue to be a source of infection to feeding ticks. Relapses can also occur with stress.
Young dogs tend to be most severely infected, especially. Pit Bull terriers.
DIAGNOSIS OF BABESIOSIS
If one is very lucky, the Babesia organisms can be seen on a blood smear. Babesia canis organisms are tear-shaped and occur in pairs. Other Babesia species have several forms in which they appear. Odds of finding the organism are improved by checking freshly drawn blood taken from a capillary source ( a small cut to an ear, for example) rather than from a blood vessel. If Babesia organisms are found, the patient is definitely infected but they are hard to find so an alternative method of diagnosis is needed.
Antibody testing has been problematic as infected animals may have circulating antibodies long after the organism is gone or may have no antibodies circulating while a few organisms remain hidden inside red blood cells.
The current method of diagnosis involves PCR testing. This is extremely sensitive testing and can distinguish 4 different species of Babesia. While only certain laboratories run this type of testing, this is really the best method of answering the Babesia infection question.
BABESIA TREATMENT
Therapy for Babesia is not a benign under-taking. In fact, if a dog is asymptomatic with Babesia, treatment is not worth the side effects. Further, even with treatment Babesia gibsoni, and probably the other small Babesia species, cannot be fully cleared by any of the drugs listed. Female dogs testing positive for Babesia should not be bred.
Diminazene Aceturate
This drug is not available in the U.S. but in other countries is the most commonly used treatment. A single injection is needed and is best used on Babesia canis. Side effects include: nausea, blood pressure drop, painful injection, seizures, and some fatal reactions.
Imidocarb Dipropionate
This is the only drug approved for Babesiosis in the U.S. A single dose is usually effective for Babesia canis but two given two weeks apart are needed for Babesia gibsoni and the other smaller Babesias. The injection is painful plus causes muscle tremors, drooling, elevated heart rate, shivering, fever, facial swelling, tearing of the eyes, and restlessness. Pre-treatment with an injection of atropine helps palliate these side effects.
Trypan Blue
This medication serves to block the parasite from entering red blood cells and may help minimize the symptoms of the infection. Side effects are minimal and it is given as an IV drip.
Phenamidine Isethionate
This drug is not available in the U.S. but a similar drug, Pentamidine isethionate, is. It is more effective on Babesia canis.
Quinuronium Sulfate
This drug is not available in the U.S. It is similar to malarial treatment. It is given as a series of two injections two days apart generally with marked improvement in the patient by the second injection.
A combination therapy of quinine, azithromycin, atovaquone, and/or clindamycin are promising and may become prominent in the future.
A vaccine is available against Babesia in France but only seems effective against certain strains. Vaccination is 89% effective in France. The best prevention is aimed at tick control.
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