Quote:
Originally Posted by Peters  pale gums can be a sign of intestinal parasites blood loss due to something even fleas any infection fever can cause loss of appetite smelly discharge could be and infected uterus but you said it "felt" normal???
Hematocrit (HCT) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) - Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBC) present in the blood. Decreased levels means anemia from hemorrhage, parasites, nutritional deficiencies or chronic disease process, such as liver disease, cancer, etc. . Increased levels are often seen in dehydration. |
From what we've been told today following a cursory exam by the Vet, he did not feel any abnormally enlarged organs such as the liver or uterus.
He's at a loss due to the lack of other significant indicators that you might see with levels like this.
Other things that he was thinking of was if Sammy has ingested rat poison, rodents, or metal (Zinc) of any type.
The only thing that crossed our minds was the eating of the "dirt" and also that Sammy is a "poop-eater" (ick!) and that possibly she has some kind of parasite.
Our dogs do not have access to any wilderness areas and for the most part are indoor doggies & have access to a well manicured back yard.
The Vet is sending out her blood for a further work up and was pretty blunt about suggesting that we may be looking at a diagnosis of a rare lymphoma.
He also said that they didn't want to start an IV just yet because they do not want to dilute her blood. They will start her on a course of doxycycline & a steroid and if necessary she may need a blood transfusion.