ABSTRACT
Shown are Ehrlichia canis organisms in the macrophages of a dog’s blood smear (arrow). When these are undetected on the blood smear, the diagnosis of ehrlichiosis has to be based on the finding of a positive antibody titer. Tetracycline or doxycycline for 2-4 weeks is the preferred treatment. Same image also seen in case 59. (Image courtesy Dr. J Harvey)
115a-e Flea anemia. This geriatric Labrador Retriever (115a) had severe fleainduced anemia (PCV 0.10 l/l [10%], total protein 48 g/l [4.8 g/dl]. Image 115b shows pallor and dead fleas. Note how the flea feces containing the dog’s digested blood accumulated on the dog’s skin (115c) and caused the bath water to turn red (115d, e). This dog was treated with packed red cells and an oral iron supplement, as well as topical insecticides.
