Ehrlichiosis diagnosis that makes no sense
He came home and said the vet diagnosed Winston, our 12 year old with Ehrlichiosis. ??? This has been our vet for 9 years, and we really like her. She's been treating Winston for his hip dysplasia and subsequent muscle loss for a couple of years. But today she runs a blood test and says he has Ehrlichiosis without a doubt, and that his hip issues are more likely because of that. Again, ???. OK...he needs antibiotics - husband came home with a pretty nonchalant awareness of it because the vet made it seem like it was no big deal. I called the vet back and spoke to a vet tech - she confirmed the diagnosis and said because of his history of stomach sensitivity and his age, they're going to half the antibiotic dose to start to see if he can tolerate it - if he does well then we can increase it. He's never had a tick to my knowledge. They're treated with Advantage year-round. He has not had any of the symptoms listed for the acute, subclinical or chronic phases of the disease other than some minor weight-loss (previously attributed to the muscle loss and age): Quote: Ehrlichiosis can have three phases. Signs of the acute phase of the disease usually develop 1-3 weeks after the bite of the infected tick. The acute phase of the disease generally lasts 2-4 weeks. The Ehrlichia enter white blood cells and reproduce inside of them. In addition to the blood, these cells are found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Platelets, the small cell fragments that help blood to clot, are often destroyed, as well. As a result of the infection, the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen are often enlarged. Anemia, fever, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint pain and stiffness, and bruises are often seen. Many dogs will be able to fight off the infection. If not, they enter the subclinical phase.
In the subclinical phase the animal may appear normal or show only slight anemia. During this phase the Ehrlichia live inside the spleen. This phase can last for months or years. Ultimately, the dog either eliminates the Ehrlichia from the body or the infection may progress to the chronic phase. The chronic phase can be either mild or severe. Weight loss, anemia, neurological signs, bleeding, inflammation of the eye, edema (fluid accumulation) in the hind legs, and fever may be seen. Blood tests show that one or all of the different blood cell types are decreased. One cell type, the lymphocyte may increase and be abnormal in appearance. This can sometimes be confused with certain types of leukemia. If a dog becomes chronically infected, the disease can keep coming back, especially during periods of stress. In some cases, arthritis or a kidney disease called 'glomerluonephritis' may develop. I suppose we could have misjudged lethargy and applied it to his age as well. But other than not being able to get up and go like the old days, he's the same old Winston. He's fully there mentally, sees and hears well, when he gets up he's happy as he could be. He just doesn't move as much as when he was young, and I expected that from an old guy like him. This diagnosis just doesn't make sense to me, but she read the results and said it's a very simple test. If that's so then it doesn't seem like there is a reason to get a second opinion on the results. Maybe I'm just in denial but this just doesn't seem feasible. I cannot find any information on the internet regarding false positives for this test. Does anybody have any insight or opinions? Would you suggest a second opinion? |
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| my dogs are on tic preventative, vaccinated against lyme and one has lyme. tics are hard to see in their coats and they do detach.
this sort of sound slike it could be good news because if he is treated he is more mobile? |
| I would hope so but most resources indicate a very grave prognosis especially in an elderly dog. |
| Wow. I would call your vet and ask for the specific numbers related to the erlichiosis diagnosis. If you're not comfortable, have them redo the blood test, just to make sure.
I went to a Rheumatologist recently for a host of my own symptoms, and I was very surprised to learn that I had, at one time, been exposed to Lyme disease. My doc said it wasn't currently active, so it was in the past, but that I had definitely come in contact with an infected tick. So I guess anything is possible........ I am hoping that Winston contracted a mild form, or that it was a mistake altogether. Keep us posted. Laurie and Oscar |
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