Ehrlichiosis/Hemolytic
Anemia

A note from Marcia Collins to CyberScots... Okay..... Man o man, Clachan says what a day... been poked and prodded all over!  He was such a good boy.... and a healthy one too! Maybe my karma is turning huh! But did I learn alot today!!!!!  and some I want to pass on for those of you who are as uninformed as I was..... it has to do with EHRLICHIOSIS and hemolytic anemia ...both potentially fatal blood disorders if left untreated.  The Ehrlichiosis is passed from Ticks.... and I learned that this type of tick bite is most prevalent in the south.... and the east .  There is alot in Arkansas and Texas.... this ehrlichiosis can set off the HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA also.  Now, I learned both are very treatable if caught in time.... and that's the BIG IF..... but you need to check!!!!  By the time the symptoms manifest enough to cause the dog to show illness... it can be too late. BUT..... The vet showed me WHAT to check, as a weekly health routine... CHECK THE GUMS...... the anemia will cause little spider-like blood vessels on the surface of the gums... you know the kind... people get them too.... or little blood blisters or bruising... these should be reported to your vet if you find them.... those of you with light skinned doggies need also look for them on the skin, however, these can be hard to spot in the first stages..... but the gums will show them right away! The vet did a baseline blood study today.... and all were in the normal range... one little area of concern, and will be watched is the PLATELETS.... were on the lowest side of the normal range....... this must be watched... but is not really any indication ... I am very pleased with the Vet, he spent 1-1/2 hours talking and explaining to me..... looked up articles... made me really feel taken care of... I have always liked this clinic... but today... I really felt like a princess... and a very well informed one at that! They also did a Titus antibody test for the Ehrlichiosis , and that is being sent into K-STATE for examination.  I feel so much better.... now.... Clachan had his distemper/parvo booster, and a Rabies shot.... the blood work up, a complete exam including a The Occult heart worm test., which is the one I prefer... and my bill was only $90.00..... I say only $90.00, alot, but less than I had expected.  I will receive a separate bill for the K-STATE anitgen exam.... but don't think it will be all that much.... and like I said... I was talking to the vet for 1-1/2 hours. SO GUYS.... Check those gums if you didn't know about it...... better safe than sorry! Marcia  Since my girl Famie is currently fighting a battle against hemolytic anemia, I thought I would describe so other breeders could be aware of it. Hemolytic anemia is where the immune system goes haywire and begins to destroy the red blood cells.  First off let me say that hemolytic anemia can be caused by a few factors, a virus, a blood borne parasite (i.e. ehrlichia), unknown factors, or hormonal influences.  Hormonal influences, i.e.  Famie's pregnancy, is the suspected cause in her case.  Her symptoms were quite vague, she was listless and drinking more than average.  I never thought to check her gums to see if she was anemic.  I realize that this is a rare disorder, but it strikes very fast.  (Apparently it is also found in pregnant women.)  So if you have a pregnant bitch, check her gums daily.  It will only take a minute.  Even with appropriate treatment sudden death can happen.  Famie is still very ill and may not make it through the night and this is with 4 days of treatment.  I hope that our struggles can help someone else be forwarned. Tracey Edwards  Traescot Scottish Terriers and Scottish Deerhounds  Russellville Arkansas

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