Is my dog's positive ehrlichiosis snap test a false positive result?

Question

My dog was diagnosed with ehrlichiosis by the in-house snap test which came out positive. Yet his red and white blood cell counts and platelet counts are perfect on his blood tests. Can this snap test for the disease be wrong? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 10 years and 2 months old | 72 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

It is possible but very rare for the test to be wrong (false positive) - repeat testing in 2-3weeks would provide more information. The test looks for antibodies (made by the dogs immune system in response to infection), some dogs become what is termed 'sub-clinical' - infected but without any clinical signs or alterations in blood cells, a phase which can last months or years before signs of disease are detected; regular blood counts should be considered to monitor for changes in such cases

Is my dog's positive ehrlichiosis snap test a false positive result?

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