Why are my dog's platelets still zero after ehrlichia treatment?

Question

Dog treated by vet for ehrlichia. Low RBC, WBC, platelets. Inflamed organs in multiple organ test. Taking doxycycline, prednisone, clindamycin, iron, himpyrin & supplements. Sometimes panting; enlarged heart, lungs & spleen in xray. White patches & a mass in lungs, mass not indicated as cancer by vet. Bruises esp in legs maybe due to IV. Longer clotting time. It's been two weeks & values are still bad although RBC & WBC increased a little (still below normal) his platelets remained zero. :(. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 3 months old | 11.68 lbs

Catherine Stecyk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Thunder, he sounds pretty sick. It sounds like you and your veterinarian are trying many different treatments for his low platelets. It is possible that he is suffering from an immune-mediated disease such as ITP, which is immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. This is where the immune system destroys the body's platelets. We can see this secondary to tick-diseases such as ehrlichia. He is already on prednisone, but he may require a second immune-modulatory medication, such as mycophenolate. This medication works with prednisone to reduce immune destruction of platelets. I hope this information is helpful, and best of luck trying to get Thunder's disease under control. I'm sure it is very difficult and frustrating for you.

Why are my dog's platelets still zero after ehrlichia treatment?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Share