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Dog tested positive for Ehrlichia and high ALP. Should I be concerned?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | 3 years and 4 months old | 57 lbs

Hi experts.. I have done another blood test for Ghontu. It is mentioned that Ehrlichia is detected and is positive. Also Alkalaline Phosphatase is high as mentioned. Could you please have a look at the attached report and suggest? I am concerned with Ehrlichia and I don’t know how it will be cured! Could you please tell me if I need to be too worried for this? I am worrying very much for her.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 3rd, 2020

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You're right that Ghontu tested positive for Ehrlichia - but keep in mind that is an "antibody" test, meaning it tests for *exposure* to a disease and doesn't necessarily mean she has Ehrlichia. If a dog is exposed to Ehrlichia and their immune system does its job and successfully clears the body of the Ehrlichia infection, they will still show a positive result on that test. So it's not cause for panic! I defer to your regular vet to determine how worried they are, based on Ghontu's exam and other findings. If they feel treatment is appropriate, they will probably start Ghontu on a 4-week course of medication. The ALP is a bit elevated, but that elevation is quite mild and wouldn't have me too worried. Again, I would defer to your usual vet. But unless they had reason to worry about the ALP specifically, I wouldn't think twice about that ALP value. Hope this helps!

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