Symptoms & Treatment of Canine Erythrocytic Anemia

Disease Diagnosis Key Points

1. The disease is primarily transmitted by bloodsucking insects such as ticks, lice, and fleas, and can also be transmitted intrauterinely. The incidence rate is high during summer, often presenting as a latent infection, and young puppies are particularly susceptible. The incubation period typically ranges from 6 to 10 days.

2. The disease generally does not cause symptoms. In cases of severe infection, the body temperature of affected dogs may rise to 41.7°C, accompanied by loss of appetite, depression, pale or jaundiced mucous membranes, and sometimes hemoglobinuria.

3. Diagnosis can be confirmed through Giemsastained blood smears, where the presence of pale red or pale purple pustules on the surface of red blood cells is indicative. Additionally, complement fixation tests, indirect hemagglutination tests, and fluorescent antibody tests can also be used for diagnosis.

Hematological Analysis

Blood is drawn from the dog's forelimb vein, then prepared into a smear, stained, and examined under a microscope. Observation may reveal red blood cells that appear purple, with a loss of their spherical shape, irregular edges, and a gearlike appearance, which can fill the entire field of view. Veterinarians should diagnose the dog with severe hemolymphoid body infection based on the dog's condition, clinical symptoms, and laboratory test results.

Treatment Methods

The primary treatment involves medication. Tetracycline (2030 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice daily, orally) and doxycycline hydrochloride (35 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice daily, orally) are commonly used.

Upon confirmation of hemolymphoid body infection, dogs should be immediately taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. In addition to the significant effect of tetracycline, comprehensive treatment should include measures to combat anemia, promote the recovery of hematopoietic function to correct acidbase balance, supplement vitamins, and prevent secondary infections through antibacterial and antiinflammatory therapy. Such a holistic approach can significantly enhance treatment outcomes.

Precautions

1. Feed the dog in small, frequent meals, and incorporate nutritious, easily digestible, and palatable foods into its diet.

2. Strengthen the dog's physical fitness by encouraging exercise during cooler times of the day, such as in the morning and evening. Two sessions per day are recommended. After discontinuing medication, ensure the dog is allowed to roam freely for at least three times a day within a 1kilometer radius, adjusting walking speed based on the dog's mental state.

3. Maintain the cleanliness of the dog's living environment and ensure daily disinfection of the kennel.