Low Platelets and High White Blood Cell Count
 

Unfortunately I found this forum while looking for some info on my Yorkie, Bella, who is sick. She had bruising in spots on her body a week ago - we found them when giving her a bath. She otherwise had no symptoms or behavior changes. I took her to the vet who did blood work and told me her platelet count was really low - 20,000. Her temperature was normal and her red blood cell count was slightly low but I was told nothing to be concerned about. The vet put her on Prednisone and Melatonin and we did further testing for tick born illnesses, which turned out negative. A week later most of her bruising has cleared up, but now she is is showing (I think) some side effects of the drug - panting, thirsty, a bit more distant at times, not as energetic or "spurts" of energy. She had more blood work done and the vet says she is not responding to the prednisone and her white blood cell count is "skyrocketing". Her white cell count is 33.9 and normal range is 6-17. Her red cell count is also worse. It went from .40 to .36 and the vet said normal range is .39-.60 Now she wants to do x-rays, ultrasound, full blood work, and bone marrow testing but hasn't mentioned fecal testing or urinalysis. She seems to be leaning toward cancer but Bella hasn't shown any signs of cancer, only the changes I've seen from taking the steroids and melatonin. Any insight would be helpful. Not sure what to do and considering getting another opinion.

I think I would be looking for a specialist, an internest.....a specialist will know what they are looking at, and what tests they think are prudent...and then thewy can see the results and what they indicate, rather than just throwing everything but the kitchen sink at it, and trying to sort thru all the results....you may get to the correct answer, more quickly....I am saying a prayer for you...it is so gut wrenching when thesae babies get sick and you are desperate for answers.

Melatonin is used as a sedative for dogs. It's used to treat insomnia in humans (although it does occur naturally in the body). Did the vet say why they put her on melatonin??

Melatonin has a possibility of clashing with certain other drugs like corticosteroids- prednisone is in that class.....

Excess Thirst
Prednisone often makes a dog very thirsty. The dog drinks more water than usual, and must urinate more often.

Excess Hunger

The prednisone often affects the dog's appetite, making him crave food even after he has eaten. This can make the dog gain weight.

Diarrhea
Prednisone can upset the stomach and digestive tract. The dog may have diarrhea or experience vomiting.

Diabetes
Because prednisone affects glands in the body, it can cause imbalances in those glands that result in diabetes.

Infections
Corticosteroids like prednisone often suppress the immune system. Infections, especially urinary infections, are common, but the prednisone hides the symptoms.

Ulcers
Prednisone can cause stomach ulcers or make gastric ulcers worse.

Hair Loss
Prednisone may cause dry, brittle hair or hair loss.

The VEC in Toronto, is a good specialist hospital. Baring that there is Univ of Guelph animal hospital. This is a teaching hospital. My first preference though for Internal Medicine- suspected cancer, is Mississauga Oakville hospital. They get 5 stars there. If you need an ultrasound they will give you a good price if your dog has cancer. Just have your vet refer you to which-ever hospital you select. I have utilized both hospitals. . Also have your vet refer to the specialty hospital on an urgent need basis. And this is URGENT. You don't want to wait 2wks for an appointment.
You can go to either one as a "walk in" emergency patient and get seen that day! Both hospitals are open 24/7. The VEC I'd go to Mon-Thurs preferably as it is more likely that all specialists are on duty!

You will need a credit card for payment, or they take debit cards. To give you a bit of an idea, the appointment will be in the neighbourhood of $200 for the specialist, then the cost of what-ever testing. Many tests are done in house, which means results come in faster. All major Pet Insurance plans are accepted at both places.

Call your vet this morning and ask for an urgent referral to either of these two locations

If you would like to speak with me, just private message me, I'd be happy to talk with you. I live in Toronto too

Thank you all for comments and support
 

Thank you everyone for your comments so far. I have an appt today with Bella's vet to follow up with x rays and more blood work and she has suggested making an appt. with a specialist. Gemy, thanks for your offer, I will take you up on it and contact you privately. I've since found out that the white blood cells called neutrophils will elevate in response to Prednisone and loss of blood will cause reduced red blood count. I've also noticed in Bella that she is licking her bum a lot and wonder if she has some kind of parasite or other infection that may be causing anal gland problems. She had diarrhea and vomited once a couple of weeks ago. An infection of this sort may trigger platelet issues. She scoots occasionally and she also recently had her annual vaccine shot. Unfortunately I have no medical history on her as I got her as a rescue just over a year ago and she is now 5 years old. I have lots of questions for the vet but will take her to a specialist. Appreciate the support everyone. Feels very scary, I just love her like she was my child. I know that may sound silly, but do.

I hope that you get an answer soon, and that your baby will be okay:love: Welcome to YT, sorry it's under such scary circumstances that you found us, but you'll be glad you did. Super people here!!!

Thank you, I just really want her to get better and I feel very helpless right now. Good to have a place where people understand.

I'm posting the links here to the Emergency Vet Hospitals I referenced above.


Mississauga - Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital & Referral Group - Veterinary Specialties Dr Meredith is very clear, sympathetic, and knowledgeable about her specialty -- oncology

Internal Medicine. Dr Norris is an internal medicine specialist there -

Teaching Hospital | Ontario Veterinary College | University of Guelph

I hope all goes well with your pup, and you find out what is wrong with her.

Catherine, just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. It maybe early yet for you to know the results of the most recent bloodwork.

I do hope that you did get that referral to a specialist we had talked about on the phone.

I was so glad to hear that your general vet was referring you out to a specialist and that you were on board with it.

I am only a phone call away. There are Yorkie meet ups too, once your Gal is well. And well then there is personal meet ups too:)

Update and thank you!
 

I have been meaning to post again here to at least thank everyone for their support, especially to Gemy for taking the time to talk to me through a very difficult and scary time. Bella is stabilized now, platelet count is back to normal and we are weaning her off the Prednisone. I took her to an internal medicine specialist as suggested and he has been great with her. This really is a great forum for support and I hope I can "pay it forward" in the future.
All the best everyone! :animal-pa