Diseases - General Information

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Diseases in Dogs

Diseases in Cats

Emergencies / First Aid

Poisoning / First aid

What are Diseases anyway? Is my pet sick?

Störungen der Körperfunktion, oft verbunden mit Unwohlsein und einer verminderten Leistungsfähigkeit, werden als Krankheiten bezeichnet.

Every disease is characterized by certain symptoms that help to identify the disease. Not all symptoms are easily recognizable or visible. Sometimes special examinations are necessary to detect them.

Welche Krankheiten kommen bei Hunden und Katzen besonders häufig vor?

Die häufigsten Erkrankungen bei Hunden:

  • Dental diseases: Up to 80% of dogs older than three years show signs of dental diseases such as Tartar (calculus), gingivitis, or periodontitis.
  • Ohrenentzündung: Ungefähr 20 % der Hunde leiden zumindest einmal in ihrem Leben an Ohrenentzündungen (Otitis externa).
  • Skin diseases: Skin allergies are estimated to affect 10–15% of all dogs. Atopic dermatitis is particularly common. Skin infections such as bacterial dermatitis affect an estimated 5–10% of all dogs.
  • Gastrointestinal problems: Vomiting is a common symptom, affecting approximately 15% of dogs annually. Approximately 10% of veterinary visits for dogs are due to Diarrhea or other intestinal problems.
  • Non-cancerous skin mass: Benign skin Tumors occur in approximately 10% of all dogs. Older animals are particularly affected.
  • Inflammation/infection of the anal glands: Problems with the anal glands occur in approximately 12% of dogs.
  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 20% of dogs older than one year. The frequency of these diseases increases with age.
  • Cystitis: Urinary tract infections, including Cystitis, occur in approximately 14% of all dogs at least once in their lifetime.

Die häufigsten Erkrankungen bei Katzen:

  • Dental diseases (tooth infection, caries, abscess): Up to 70% of cats over three years show signs of dental diseases. Tartar (calculus), gingivitis, and FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions) dental diseases cause Pain and can significantly impair general well-being.
  • Obesity in cats: It is estimated that between 25% and 40% of all domestic cats are overweight or obese. Obesity in cats is a serious problem that can significantly impair the health and well-being of animals.
  • Skin diseases: Approximately 5–10% of cats show skin diseases, with allergic skin reactions accounting for approximately 5%. Allergies to fleas, food, or environmental substances lead to Itching, skin redness, Hair loss, and secondary infections.
  • Gastrointestinal problems: Stomach problems with Vomiting affect approximately 10% of cats annually. Causes can be hairballs, Feed intolerances, infections, or serious conditions such as liver or pancreatic problems. Approximately 5–10% of cats occasionally suffer from Diarrhea or other intestinal problems. Causes range from changes in diet to parasite infestations to Inflammatory conditions.
  • Heart diseases: Approximately 6–7% of all cats suffer from some form of heart disease. Presumably, it is significantly more (10–15% of all cats), as many cases go undetected. Symptoms often appear only in advanced stages. This shows how important it is to check the heart function before general anesthesia.

Die häufigsten Erkrankungen bei älteren Katzen

  • Chronic kidney diseases and urinary tract diseases: Approximately 10% of cats over seven years are affected, with the frequency of occurrence increasing with age. A progressive loss of kidney function leads to symptoms such as increased thirst and increased urination, Weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Approximately 5–8% of cats develop urinary tract diseases in the course of their lives. Diseases such as urinary stones, urinary tract infections, or idiopathic (Cystitis of unclear cause). Cystitis leads to Pain during urination, frequent Urinary urgency, and can become life-threatening if left untreated.
  • Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism): Affects approximately 10% of cats over the age of ten. The overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to Weight loss despite increased appetite, as well as to hyperactivity, increased thirst, and possibly to heart problems.

Note: The frequencies mentioned are estimates and may vary depending on the study, region, and specific cat population. For accurate epidemiological data, it is recommended to consult current veterinary medical literature. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian are important to detect and treat these diseases early.

Diese Krankheiten sollten wir besonders im Auge behalten.

The most important diseases of the teeth, oral cavity and/or jaw in dogs and cats

Problems of the teeth/oral cavity/jaw (stomatology) in dogs

Problems of the teeth/oral cavity/jaw (stomatology) in cats

The most important diseases of the larynx, nose and/or ears in dogs and cats

Ear diseases are categorized by the different regions that can be affected. Diese sind:

  • das äußere Ohr (die Ohrmuschel),
  • der äußere Gehörgang,
  • das Mittelohr und
  • das Innenohr.

Mögliche Ursachen für Erkrankungen sind:

  • Infections with bacteria or fungi,
  • an infestation with Parasit (ear mites),
  • Fremdkörper im äußeren Gehörgang,
  • Verletzungen und
  • Tumors

The most common diseases of the larynx/nose/ears (ENT) in dogs are:

The most common diseases of the larynx/nose/ears (ENT) in cats are:

Die wichtigsten Hautkrankheiten oder Krankheiten mit einer deutlichen Beteiligung der Haut bei Hunden und Katzen sind:

Hautprobleme bei Hunden

Hautprobleme bei Katzen

The most important disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and/or liver in dogs and cats

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and/or liver (gastroenterology/hepatology) in dogs

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and/or liver (gastroenterology/hepatology) in cats

The most important diseases of the kidney and/or urinary tract in dogs and cats

The most important diseases of the kidney and/or urinary tract (urology) in dogs

The most important diseases of the kidney and/or urinary tract (urology) in cats

Important laboratory values for hematology and clinical chemistry and their interpretation in dogs and cats

Normal ranges (reference values) of blood values can fluctuate without health problems being responsible for this. Causes for these fluctuations can be in particular: age, breed, pregnancy, time of day, last food intake, state of excitement and examination methods (reference values of the laboratory “Synlab”).

Reference values Hematology and Clinical Chemistry for Dog and Cat

Hematology Dog

leukocytes

  • Neutrophile Granulozyten /µl 2500–8100
  • Lymphozyten /µl 1000–3900
  • Monozyten /µl < 600
  • Eosinophile Granulozyten /µl < 1100
  • Basophile Granulozyten /µl < 20

Erythrozyten T/l 5.9-8.5

  • Hämoglobin g/l 142–202
  • Hämatokrit l/l 0.45-0.64
  • MCV fl 67,5-81,9
  • MCH (HBE) pg 22,4-25,8
  • MCHC g/dl 29,5-35,8
  • Retikulozyten G/l < 121

Thrombozyten G/l 110–580

Klinische Chemie Hund

Leber

  • Alkalische Phosphatase (AP) U/l < 128
  • AST (GOT) U/l < 62
  • ALT (GPT) U/l < 118
  • gamma-GT U/l < 11
  • GLDH U/l < 10,5
  • Bilirubin gesamt µmol/l < 5.1

Pankreas

  • Amylase U/l 314–1142
  • DGGR-Lipase U/l < 127
  • Muskulatur CK U/l < 338
  • LDH U/I < 497

Fettstoffwechsel

  • Cholesterin mmol/l 4.3-10.5
  • Triglyceride mmol/l 0,4-2,8

Niere

  • Kreatinin µmol/l < 141
  • Harnstoff mmol/l 4,3-9,4

electrolytes

  • Natrium mmol/l 144–152
  • Kalium mmol/l 4.3-5.7
  • Na/Ka-Quotient mmol/l 26–35
  • Calcium mmol/l 2,44-2,82
  • Magnesium mmol/l 0.77-1.09
  • Chlorid mmol/l 106–117
  • Phosphat mmol/l 0,82-2,0

Kohlenhydratstoffwechsel

  • Glukose mmol/l 3.9-6.7 3.9-6.7
  • Fruktosamine µmol/l 166–318

Proteinstoffwechsel

  • Albumin g/l 28.1-39.4
  • Globulin g/l 25,7-42,2
  • Gesamteiweiß g/l 56.8-76.2

Schilddrüse

  • T4 nmol/l 12,2-46,4

Hämatologie Katze

Leukozyten G/l 3.9-12.5

  • Neutrophile Granulozyten /µl 1500–9400
  • Lymphozyten /µl 1000–4900
  • Monozyten /µl < 600
  • Eosinophile Granulozyten /µl < 1300
  • Basophile Granulozyten /< 40

Erythrozyten T/l 7.2-11.0

  • Hämoglobin g/l 108–169
  • Hämatokrit l/l 0.36-0.56
  • MCV fl 42–57
  • MCH (HBE) pg 13–17
  • MCHC g/dl 29–35
  • Retikulozyten G/l < 57

Thrombozyten G/l 127–427

Klinische Chemie Katze

Leber

  • Alkalische Phosphatase (AP) U/l < 66
  • AST (GOT) U/l < 47
  • ALT (GPT) U/l < 102
  • gamma-GT U/l < 5
  • GLDH U/l < 9,2
  • Bilirubin gesamt µmol/l < 4.1

Pankreas

  • DGGR-Lipase U/l < 27
  • Muskulatur CK U/l < 272
  • LDH U/I < 606

Niere

  • Kreatinin µmol/l 60–166
  • Harnstoff mmol/l 6,8-13,4
  • Elektrolyte Natrium mmol/l 150–157
  • Kalium mmol/l 3.9-5.4
  • Calcium mmol/l 2,24-2,83
  • Magnesium mmol/l 0.85-1.21
  • Chlorid mmol/l 112–123
  • Phosphat mmol/l 0,77-1,81 1,09-2,06

Kohlenhydratstoffwechsel

  • Glukose mmol/l 3.9-8.3
  • Fruktosamine µmol/l 146–306

Proteinstoffwechsel

  • Albumin g/l 27.9-40.7
  • Globulin g/l 32,4-58,1
  • Albumin/Globulin-Quotient 0.5-1.0
  • Gesamteiweiß g/l 68.0-89.5

Schilddrüse

  • T4 nmol/l 12,2-46,4

Fettstoffwechsel

  • Cholesterin mmol/l 2.7-9.0
  • Triglyceride mmol/l 0,3-1,9

Interpretations of selected laboratory findings in dogs and cats - Hematology and Clinical Chemistry

Leukozyten include cells that are responsible for defending against pathogens and for the immune system.

The number of Leukozyten in the blood provides information about

  • ob im Knochenmark genügend weiße Blutkörperchen gebildet werden und
  • ob eine Entzündung oder Bluterkrankung vorliegen könnte.

Leukozyten include various subgroups. Diese sind:

  • Granulocytes, which are responsible for the body’s defense against bacteria and foreign substances. Granulocytes are further divided into neutrophils, eosinophilic granulocytes, and basophilic granulocytes.
  • Lymphocytes, which are important for immune defense and contribute to the formation of antibodies.
  • Monocytes, which are precursors of the so-called scavenger cells. They can absorb pathogens and dead cells.

Die Anzahl der weißen Blutkörperchen wird gezählt und die Untergruppen werden in einem sogenannten Differenzialblutbild (großes Blutbild) bestimmt.

Neutrophile Granulozyten are a subtype of Leukozyten (white blood cells) and belong to the immune system. They are essential for infection defense and wound healing. Neutrophile Granulozyten can fight:

  • Mikroorganismen
  • Virus-infected cells
  • Tumor cells
  • Other foreign antigens

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erniedrigte Anzahl neutrophiler Granulozyten:

  • Bone marrow damage, e.g. due to Chemotherapie
  • Viral infections (e.g. parvovirus, distemper)
  • Extremely severe bacterial infections
  • Parasitic infestation
  • Malnutrition (e.g. iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency)
  • Cancers (e.g. various leukemias, Tumors)
  • Bone marrow diseases (e.g. aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic Syndrom)
  • Immunschwäche (z. B. genetisch bedingten oder erworbenen Immunschwäche)
  • Medikamente (z. B. Chemotherapeutika, Immunsuppressiva)

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erhöhte Anzahl neutrophiler Granulozyten:

  • Acute and chronic Inflammatory conditions
  • Bacterial infections
  • Metabolic disorders (uremia, eclampsia)
  • Krebs (e.g. leukemias)
  • Chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD)
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Stress and physical strain
  • Trächtigkeit
  • Medication (e.g. Cortisol treatment, Adrenalin)

Lymphozyten are among the Leukozyten (white blood cells) and belong to the immune system. They can provide valuable information about the function of the immune system.

Lymphozyten are examined when there is suspicion of:

  • Recurrent infections
  • Allergien
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Lymphozytose oder Lymphopenie
  • During radiation therapy
  • Infections with fungi or Parasit

Possible causes for too low Lymphozyten numbers:

  • Angeborene Immundefekte
  • Erworbene Immundefekte
  • Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic Syndrom
  • Radiation, Chemo- and Cortisol therapy
  • Medications (immunosuppressants, Zytostatika, Steroide)
  • Chronische Lebererkrankungen (z. B. Leberzirrhose, Hepatitis)
  • Burns
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Cushing-Syndrom
  • Niereninsuffizienz
  • Eisenmangelanämie
  • Viral infections (parvovirus, distemper)
  • Stress and heavy physical strain
  • Leukemias and Tumors
  • Pneumonie

Possible causes for too high Lymphozyten numbers:

  • Viral infections
  • Chronic bacterial infections (e.g. borreliosis, ehrlichiosis)
  • Pilzinfektionen
  • Krebs (e.g. lymphomas and leukemia)
  • Allergien
  • Atopies (e.g. Atopische Dermatitis)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Systemischer Lupus erythematodes)
  • Sarkoidose
  • Rheumatoide Arthritis
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Stress
  • Starke körperliche Belastung
  • Medications (e.g. Kortikosteroide, immunosuppressants)

Monocytes are a subgroup of Leukozyten (white blood cells) that play an important role in the immune system. Like all blood cells, they are produced in the bone marrow and then released into the bloodstream. They pass into the tissue after a few days and mature there.

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erhöhte Anzahl an Monozyten sind:

  • Bacterial infections (e.g. ehrlichiosis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
  • Viral infections
  • Entzündliche Erkrankungen (z. B. entzündliche Darmerkrankungen, Entzündung der Bauchspeicheldrüse)
  • Parasitic infections (e.g. heartworm disease, Lyme borreliosis)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoide arthritis)
  • Krebs types (e.g. lymphomas, leukemia)

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erniedrigte Anzahl an Monozyten können sein:

  • Bone marrow diseases (e.g. aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic Syndrom)
  • Medikamente (z. B. Chemotherapeutika)
  • Viral infections: Certain (e.g. parvovirus, distemper)
  • Diseases such as chronic renal failure or liver diseases

Eosinophile Granulozyten belong to the Leukozyten (white blood cells) and are involved in the defense against Parasit (especially worms) and viruses.

The number of eosinophile Granulozyten is examined when there is suspicion of:

  • Parasitic infections (e.g. heartworm diseases, intestinal Parasit
  • Allergic Reactions:
  • Hautkrankheiten (z. B. eosinophiler Granulomkomplex)
  • Krebs (lymphomas)

Mögliche Ursachen für eine Erhöhung der eosinophilen Granulozyten

  • Parasitic infections (e.g. heartworm diseases, intestinal Parasit)
  • Allergische Reaktionen (z. B. auf Nahrungsmittel, Pollen, Flohbisse)
  • Hautkrankheiten (z. B. eosinophiler Granulomkomplex)
  • Respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Pemphigus complex)

Possible symptoms of diseases with Eosinophilie:

  • Fever, weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Weight loss
  • Shortness of breath
  • Reduced Resilience
  • Pale Mucous Membranes
  • Bauchschmerzen
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching,
  • Pustules and papules, hives
  • Disorientation

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erniedrigte Anzahl an eosinophilen Granulozyten sind:

  • Stress (anxiety, fear, Pain)
  • Medications (e.g. Cortisol)
  • Bacterial infections (e.g. Sepsis)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Morbus Cushing (high Cortisol production)

Basophile Granulozyten are among the white blood cells that are important for the immune system. They are important for fighting Parasit and in connection with allergic reactions, as they can release substances (histamines).

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erhöhte Anzahl an basophilen Granulozyten sind:

  • Krebs types (e.g. mast cell Tumors)
  • Parasitären Infektionen
  • Diseases of the bone marrow (e.g. chronic myeloid leukemia)
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Juvenile idiopathic Arthritis)
  • Polycythaemia vera (PV)
  • Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism)
  • Chronic Inflammatory conditions (e.g. Inflammatory conditions)

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erniedrigte Anzahl an basophilen Granulozyten sind:

  • At the beginning of an infection
  • Physical strain and Stress
  • Geschädigtes Knochenmark
  • Schilddrüsenüberfunktion (Hyperthyreose)
  • Rheumatoide Arthritis
  • Medications

Erythrozyten (red blood cells) transport oxygen in the blood from the lungs to all tissues and cells of the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Erythrozyten are the most common cells in the blood and contain the blood pigment Hämoglobin. The formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) takes place mainly in the bone marrow. After an average of three months, the red blood cells are broken down in the spleen and liver. A high RBC count is called erythrocytosis. It is relatively rare in dogs and cats.

Mögliche Symptome bei Anämie sind:

  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Hair loss
  • Bauchschmerzen
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice (Ikterus)

Mögliche Ursachen für eine hohe RBC-Zahl sind:

  • Dehydration
  • Herz- oder Lungenerkrankung
  • Krebs (e.g. leukemia)
  • Leben in großen Höhen, da der Körper versucht, die in diesen Höhen verringerte Sauerstoffmenge durch eine erhöhte RBG-Anzahl auszugleichen.
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Special Tumors

Mögliche Ursachen für eine niedrige RBC-Zahl sind:

  • Chronic Inflammatory conditions
  • Bleeding
  • Parasit
  • Medications (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
  • Nutrient deficiency (e.g. deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid deficiency)
  • Diseases (e.g. Krebs, kidney diseases, autoimmune diseases)

Bone marrow diseases (Krebs types)

Hämoglobin is the red blood pigment in the red blood cells (Erythrozyten), which binds oxygen and transports it in the bloodstream. The values are subject to significant fluctuations depending on age and gender.

Possible causes for decreased Hämoglobin values are:

  • Anemia
  • Blood Loss
  • Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency
  • Increased Erythrozyten degradation (hemolysis)
  • Trächtigkeit
  • Überschuss an Wasser im Körper (Hyperhydratation)
  • Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD)
  • Nierenerkrankungen
  • Hämoglobinopathies (congenital diseases such as α- and β-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia)

Possible causes for high Hämoglobin values

  • Lack of water in the body (dehydration)
  • Eine bestimmte Form von Blutkrebs (Polycythaemia vera, PV)
  • Hormone-producing renal cell carcinomas
  • The drug Erythropoetin (EPO)
  • Langer Aufenthalt in höheren Lagen
  • Polyglobulie

The Hämatokrit indicates the ratio between liquid and solid components in the blood. The liquid component of the blood is called blood plasma or just plasma. The solid components of the blood are the blood cells. The red blood cells, the Erythrozyten, make up about 99% of the blood cells.

The hematocrit also indicates how thin or thick the blood is. A high proportion of blood cells, i.e. a high hematocrit, makes the blood more viscous, while a low proportion of blood cells and, consequently, a low hematocrit makes the blood less viscous.

Indications of a decreased hematocrit include:

  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Respiratory distress and shortness of breath
  • Kalte Extremitäten (Ohren, Beine)
  • Unregelmäßiger Herzschlag
  • Water retention (edema)

Indications of an increased hematocrit:

  • Gerötete Haut
  • GaitUncertainty / disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Herzfrequenz ist erhöht

Possible causes of a decreased hematocrit:

  • Anämie (Blutarmut), z. B. durch
    • Eisenmangel
    • Vitamin B12 deficiency
    • Folsäuremangel
    • Internal Bleeding
    • Leukämie
    • Nierenerkrankungen
    • Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
    • Erbkrankheiten
    • Autoimmune diseases
  • Hyperhydratation, Überwässerung (z. B. durch überschießende Infusionen)

Possible causes of an increased hematocrit:

  • Polyglobulie, übermäßige Bildung roter Blutkörperchen (z. B. Lungenerkrankunge, Leukämie, hormonelle Störungen)
  • Dehydration (fluid deficiency)
  • Sauerstoffmangel

The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a blood parameter that indicates the average volume of red blood cells. MCV is an important component of a complete blood count. It provides valuable information about the health of red blood cells and can help identify the causes of anemia.

Mögliche Ursachen für ein hohes mittleres korpuskuläres Volumen (MCV) bei Hunden und Katzen, eine makrozytäre Anämie, sind:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Folsäuremangel
  • Lebererkrankung
  • Hypothyreose
  • Bestimmte Medikamente

Mögliche Ursachen für ein niedriges mittleres korpuskuläres Volumen (MCV) bei Hunden und Katzen, eine mikrozytäre Anämie, sind:

  • Eisenmangel
  • Chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease
  • Blood loss due to injuries, surgeries, or parasitic infections
  • Deficiencies such as copper, zinc and vitamin B6 deficiency
  • Certain hereditary diseases such as thalassemia and impaired formation of the blood pigment hemoglobin (hemoglobinopathies)

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) indicates the hemoglobin content of the red blood cells (erythrocytes), i.e. the average hemoglobin content of a single erythrocyte.

Mögliche Ursachen für einen niedrigen MCH:

  • Eisenmangel
  • Kupfermangel
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency
  • Anemia in chronic Inflammatory conditions
  • Tumor anemia
  • Aplastischen Anämie

Mögliche Ursachen für einen zu hohen MCH:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Folsäuremangel
  • Dehydration
  • Leukämie

MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, a blood test parameter that measures the hemoglobin concentration in an average red blood cell (RBC). MCHC is an important component of a complete blood count.

Mögliche Ursachen für einen niedrigen MCHC:

  • Hypochrome Anämien (z. B. bei Eisenmangel, Thalassämie, Kupfermangel)
  • Eisenverwertungsstörungen
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Mögliche Ursachen für einen hohen MCHC:

  • Intravascular hemolysis (premature breakdown of red blood cells in the circulatory system)
  • Hereditäre Sphärozytose (Kugelzellanämie) bei Hunden
  • Infusion von Lipidemulsionen
  • Extreme Hypertriglyceridämie
  • Cold agglutinin syndrome

Newly formed, not yet fully matured erythrocytes are called reticulocytes. The reticulocyte count indicates the proportion of these immature cells in relation to the total number of red blood cells. The normal value is about one percent. Newer devices measure the absolute proportion of reticulocytes in the blood.

The reticulocyte count is well suited to assess the activity of the bone marrow with regard to the formation of red blood cells. In the event of Blood loss or anemia, healthy bone marrow reacts with increased formation and release of reticulocytes. Their determination is therefore well suited for assessing bone marrow function.

Mögliche Ursachen für hohe Retikulozytenzahl können sein:

  • Regeneration of acute or chronic Blood loss
  • Regeneration of hemolysis (breakdown of erythrocytes in the circulation)
  • Knochenmarkserkrankungen wie Leukämie oder Lymphom
  • Control of anemia therapy

Mögliche Ursachen für eine niedrige Retikulozytenzahl sind:

  • Vitanin-B12-Mangel, Folsäuremangel (Megaloblastäre Anämie)
  • Eisenmangelanämie
  • Aplastische Anämie
  • Renal anemia or kidney failure (erythropoietin deficiency)
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
  • Cytostatic therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Medications
  • Panmyelopathie
  • Hämolytische Transfusionsreaktion
  • Virus infections (parvovirus)
  • Vergiftung durch das Knochenmark schädigende Stoffe (Benzol)
  • Chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease or cancer
  • Chronic Blood loss due to gastrointestinal ulcers or parasitic infections

The platelet count PLT is a blood test parameter that measures the number of platelets in a sample. Platelets are small cell fragments that are involved in blood coagulation and play an important role in preventing excessive Bleeding. Platelet count values vary depending on age, breed and gender. The platelet count is an important component of a complete blood count. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can lead to increased Bleeding, while a high platelet count (thrombocytosis) can lead to excessive blood coagulation.

Possible causes of a decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia) are:

  • Immune-mediated destruction of platelets
  • Suppression of bone marrow function (bone marrow suppression) e.g. by chemotherapy, radiation therapy)
  • Infectious diseases such as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
  • Arzneimittelreaktionen
  • Diseases such as cancer or kidney disease
  • Acute or chronic Blood loss
  • Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug))

Possible causes of an increased platelet count (thrombocytosis) in dogs and cats are:

  • Inflammatory conditions such as infections
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Cancer
  • Bone marrow diseases such as myeloproliferative diseases and leukemia
  • Eisenmangelanämie
  • Körperliche Aktivität oder Aufregung
  • Medications such as corticosteroids

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR is a blood test parameter that measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a test tube over a certain period of time. The ESR is a non-specific test, but it provides information about the degree of inflammation in the body. In the meantime, there are more precise, meaningful tests, so that the ESR is only rarely measured. Inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer are associated with an increase in the ESR.

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erhöhte Blutsenkungsgeschwindigkeit (BSG) bei Hunden und Katzen sind:

  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g. B. such as infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer
  • Parasitic infections such as heartworm disease and tick-borne diseases
  • Trächtigkeit
  • Anämie
  • Medications such as corticosteroids

Mögliche Ursachen für eine erniedrigte Blutsenkungsgeschwindigkeit (BSG)

  • Low Protein levels in the blood due to liver disease or malnutrition
  • Polycythemia (increased number of red blood cells with simultaneously reduced plasma volume)
  • Herzinsuffizienz
  • Hyperbilirubinemia (increased bilirubin levels) e.g. due to liver disease

C-reactive Protein is produced by the liver in response to Inflammatory conditions, infections, tissue damage or other inflammatory disorders. The CRP test is not very specific, but is often used in veterinary medicine to assess the presence and severity of inflammation in dogs and cats. Stress and surgeries are also associated with an increase in CRP.

Possible causes of a high C-reactive Protein level (CRP) in dogs and cats are:

  • Inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer
  • Tissue injury, such as a trauma, surgery or pancreatitis
  • Obesity as a result of an associated chronic inflammation.
  • Alter
  • Stress

Mögliche Ursachen für niedrige CRP-Werte sind:

  • Es liegt keine Entzündung vor
  • Disorders of CRP measurement in hemolysis (breakdown of erythrocytes) or lipemia (high fat content) of the blood sample
  • Reaktion auf Entzündung hat im Körper noch nicht stattgefunden
  • Hypoproteinemia (Protein deficiency) in liver disease or malnutrition

Procalcitonin is a Protein that is produced in response to bacterial infections and Inflammatory conditions. PCT values are particularly suitable for the diagnosis, monitoring of the course and therapy control of very severe bacterial diseases such as sepsis. Virus, fungal, parasitic infections or allergies and autoimmune diseases do not lead to an increase in PCT values in the blood and are therefore not detected by this test.

Mögliche Ursachen für erhöhte PCT-Werte können sein:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), inflammations of the intestine and traumas such as surgeries and injuries
  • Medications such as corticosteroids

PCT ist ein relativ neuer Bluttestparameter und wird in der Veterinärmedizin noch relativ selten routinemäßig verwendet.

Mögliche Ursachen für einen raschen Abfall eines ursprünglich erhöhten PCT-Wertes:

  • Antibiotikatherapie