Diseases - General Information

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Diseases in Dogs

Diseases in Cats

Emergencies / First Aid

Poisoning / First aid

What exactly are diseases? Is my pet ill?

Disorders of bodily function, often associated with malaise and reduced performance, are referred to as diseases.

Each disease is characterized by certain signs of illness (symptoms) that can be used to identify the disease. Not all symptoms are easy to recognize or visible. Sometimes special examinations are required to detect them.

Which diseases are particularly common in dogs and cats?

What are the most common diseases in dogs?

  • Dental diseases: Up to 80% of dogs older than three years show signs of dental diseases such as Tartar (calculus), gingivitis, or periodontitis.
  • Ear infection: Approximately 20% of dogs suffer from ear infections (otitis externa) at least once in their lives.
  • 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 about 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.

What are the most common diseases in cats?

  • 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 about 10% of cats annually. Causes can be hairballs, Feed intolerances, infections, or serious conditions such as liver or pancreas 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 heart function before general anesthesia.

What are the most common diseases in older cats?

  • 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 infection, 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 stated are estimates and may vary depending on the study, region, and specific cat population. For accurate epidemiological data, it is advisable to consult current veterinary specialist literature. Regular preventive check-ups at the veterinarian are important in order to detect and treat these diseases at an early stage.

We should keep a particularly close eye on these diseases.

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

In diseases of the ear, different regions that may be affected are distinguished. These are:

  • the outer ear (the pinna),
  • the external ear canal,
  • the middle ear and
  • the inner ear.

Possible causes of diseases include:

  • infection with bacteria or fungi,
  • an infestation with parasites (ear mites),
  • foreign bodies in the external ear canal,
  • injuries and
  • Tumors

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

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

The most important skin diseases, or diseases with significant involvement of the skin, in dogs and cats are:

Skin Problems in Dogs

Skin Problems in Cats

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 for hematology and clinical chemistry for dogs and cats
What is normal?

Hematology Dog

leukocytes

  • neutrophils /µl 2500–8100
  • lymphocytes /µl 1000–3900
  • Monocytes /µl < 600
  • eosinophilic granulocytes /µl < 1100
  • Basophilic granulocytes /µl < 20

erythrocytes T/l 5.9-8.5

  • hemoglobin g/l 142–202
  • hematocrit 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
  • Reticulocytes G/l < 121

thrombocyte / platelet G/l 110–580

Clinical Chemistry Dog

Liver

pancreas

  • amylase U/l 314–1142
  • DGGR lipase U/l < 127
  • Musculature CK U/l < 338
  • LDH U/I < 497

Lipid metabolism

  • cholesterol mmol/l 4.3-10.5
  • Triglycerides mmol/l 0.4-2.8

Kidney

electrolytes

Carbohydrate metabolism

Protein metabolism

Thyroid

  • T4 nmol/l 12.2-46.4

Hematology Cat

leukocytes G/l 3.9-12.5

  • neutrophils /µl 1500–9400
  • lymphocytes /µl 1000–4900
  • Monocytes /µl < 600
  • eosinophilic granulocytes /µl < 1300
  • Basophilic granulocytes /< 40

erythrocytes T/l 7.2-11.0

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

thrombocyte / platelet G/l 127–427

Clinical Chemistry Cat

Liver

  • alkaline 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
  • total bilirubin µmol/l < 4.1

pancreas

  • DGGR lipase U/l < 27
  • Musculature CK U/l < 272
  • LDH U/I < 606

Kidney

  • creatinine µmol/l 60–166
  • Urea mmol/l 6.8-13.4
  • electrolytes sodium mmol/l 150–157
  • potassium mmol/l 3.9-5.4
  • Calcium mmol/l 2.24-2.83
  • magnesium mmol/l 0.85-1.21
  • chloride mmol/l 112–123
  • Phosphate mmol/l 0.77-1.81 1.09-2.06

Carbohydrate metabolism

  • glucose mmol/l 3.9-8.3
  • fructosamine µmol/l 146–306

Protein metabolism

  • albumin g/l 27.9-40.7
  • Globulin g/l 32.4-58.1
  • Albumin/Globulin ratio 0.5-1.0
  • total protein g/l 68.0-89.5

Thyroid

  • T4 nmol/l 12.2-46.4

Lipid metabolism

Interpretations of selected laboratory findings in dogs and cats – blood values (hematology) and blood chemistry (clinical chemistry)

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

The number of leukocytes in the blood provides information about

  • whether enough white blood cells are being produced in the bone marrow and
  • whether an inflammatory condition or blood disorder could be present.

leukocytes include various subgroups. These are:

  • 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 the precursors of so-called phagocytes. They can ingest pathogens and dead cells.

The number of white blood cells is counted and the subgroups are determined in a so-called differential blood count (complete blood count).

Neutrophilic granulocytes are a subtype of leukocytes (white blood cells) and are part of the immune system. They are essential for defense against infection and wound healing. Neutrophilic granulocytes can fight:

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

Possible causes of a decreased number of neutrophilic granulocytes:

  • Bone marrow damage, e.g., due to chemotherapy
  • 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 syndrome)
  • Immunodeficiency (e.g., genetically determined or acquired immunodeficiency)
  • Medications (e.g., chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressants)

Possible causes of an increased number of neutrophilic granulocytes:

Lymphocytes are among the leukocytes (white blood cells) and are part of the immune system. They can provide valuable information about the function of the immune system.

Lymphocytes are examined when there is suspicion of:

  • Recurrent infections
  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Lymphocytosis or lymphopenia
  • During radiation therapy
  • Infections with fungi or parasites

Possible causes of lymphocyte counts that are too low:

  • Congenital immune defects
  • Acquired immune defects
  • Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and cortisone therapy
  • Medications (immunosuppressants, cytostatic agents, steroids)
  • Chronic liver diseases (e.g., liver cirrhosis, hepatitis)
  • Burns
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Cushing syndrome
  • Kidney failure
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Viral infections (parvovirus, distemper)
  • Stress and heavy physical strain
  • Leukemias and tumors
  • Pneumonia

Possible causes of lymphocyte counts that are too high:

  • Viral infections
  • Chronic bacterial infections (e.g., borreliosis, ehrlichiosis)
  • Fungal infections
  • Cancer (e.g., lymphomas and leukemia)
  • Allergies
  • Atopies (e.g., atopic dermatitis)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Stress
  • Severe physical exertion
  • Medications (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants)

Monocytes are a subgroup of leukocytes (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. After a few days, they move into the tissue and mature there.

Possible causes of an increased number of monocytes are:

  • Bacterial infections (e.g., ehrlichiosis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
  • Viral infections
  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Parasitic infections (e.g., heartworm disease, Lyme borreliosis)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Types of cancer (e.g., lymphomas, leukemia)

Possible causes of a decreased number of monocytes may be:

  • Bone marrow diseases (e.g., aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome)
  • Medications (e.g., chemotherapeutic agents)
  • Viral infections: certain ones (e.g., parvovirus, distemper)
  • Diseases such as chronic renal failure or liver diseases

Eosinophilic granulocytes are among the leukocytes (white blood cells) and are involved in defense against parasites (especially worms) and viruses.

The number of eosinophilic granulocytes is examined when there is suspicion of:

  • Parasitic infections (e.g., heartworm disease, intestinal parasites
  • Allergic reactions:
  • Skin diseases (e.g., eosinophilic granuloma complex)
  • Cancer (lymphomas)

Possible causes of an increase in eosinophilic granulocytes

  • Parasitic infections (e.g., heartworm disease, intestinal parasites)
  • Allergic reactions (e.g., to food, pollen, flea bites)
  • Skin diseases (e.g., eosinophilic granuloma complex)
  • 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 eosinophilia:

  • Fever, weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Weight loss
  • Shortness of breath
  • Reduced resilience
  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching,
  • Pustules and papules, hives
  • Disorientation

Possible causes of a decreased number of eosinophilic granulocytes are:

  • Stress (anxiety, fear, pain)
  • Medications (e.g., cortisol)
  • Bacterial infections (e.g., sepsis)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cushing’s disease (high cortisol production)

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

Possible causes of an increased number of basophilic granulocytes are:

  • Types of cancer (e.g., mast cell tumors)
  • Parasitic infections
  • 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 bowel disease)

Possible causes of a decreased number of basophilic granulocytes are:

  • At the beginning of an infection
  • Physical strain and stress
  • Damaged bone marrow
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Medications

Erythrocytes (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. Erythrocytes are the most common cells in the blood and contain the blood pigment hemoglobin. 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.

Possible symptoms of anemia are:

Possible causes of a high RBC count are:

  • Dehydration
  • Heart or lung disease
  • Cancer (e.g., leukemia)
  • Living at high altitudes, as the body tries to compensate for the reduced amount of oxygen at these altitudes by increasing the RBC count.
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Specific tumors

Possible causes of a low RBC count are:

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

Bone marrow diseases (types of cancer)

Hemoglobin is the red blood pigment in the red blood cells (erythrocytes) that binds oxygen and transports it in the bloodstream. The values are subject to significant fluctuations depending on age and sex.

Possible causes of decreased hemoglobin levels are:

  • Anemia
  • Blood loss
  • Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency
  • Increased erythrocyte breakdown (hemolysis)
  • Pregnancy
  • Excess water in the body (hyperhydration)
  • Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD)
  • Kidney diseases
  • Hemoglobinopathies (congenital diseases such as α- and β-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia)

Possible causes of high hemoglobin levels

  • Lack of water in the body (dehydration)
  • A specific form of blood cancer (polycythaemia vera, PV)
  • Hormone-producing renal cell carcinomas
  • The drug erythropoietin (EPO)
  • Prolonged stay at higher altitudes
  • Polycythemia

Hematocrit 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 erythrocytes, make up about 99% of the blood cells.

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
  • Cold extremities (ears, legs)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Water retention (edema)

Indications of an increased hematocrit:

  • Reddened skin
  • Gait instability
  • Confusion
  • Increased heart rate

Possible causes of a decreased hematocrit:

  • Anemia, e.g., due to
    • Iron deficiency
    • Vitamin B12 deficiency
    • Folic acid deficiency
    • Internal bleeding
    • Leukemia
    • Kidney diseases
    • Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
    • Hereditary diseases
    • Autoimmune diseases
  • Hyperhydration, overhydration (e.g., due to excessive infusions)

Possible causes of an increased hematocrit:

  • Polycythemia, excessive production of red blood cells (e.g., lung diseases, leukemia, hormonal disorders)
  • Dehydration (fluid deficiency)
  • Oxygen deficiency

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 red blood cell health and can help identify the causes of anemia.

Possible causes of a high mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in dogs and cats, i.e., macrocytic anemia, are:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Folic acid deficiency
  • Liver disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Certain medications

Possible causes of a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in dogs and cats, i.e., microcytic anemia, are:

  • Iron deficiency
  • 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)

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

Possible causes of a low MCH:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Copper deficiency
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency
  • Anemia in chronic inflammatory conditions
  • Tumor anemia
  • Aplastic anemia

Possible causes of an excessively high MCH:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Folic acid deficiency
  • Dehydration
  • Leukemia

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.

Possible causes of a low MCHC:

  • Hypochromic anemias (e.g., iron deficiency, thalassemia, copper deficiency)
  • Disorders of iron utilization
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Possible causes of a high MCHC:

  • Intravascular hemolysis (premature breakdown of red blood cells in the circulatory system)
  • Hereditary spherocytosis (spherocytic anemia) in dogs
  • Infusion of lipid emulsions
  • Extreme hypertriglyceridemia
  • Cold agglutinin syndrome

Newly formed, not yet fully mature 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 approximately 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.

Possible causes of a high reticulocyte count may be:

  • Regeneration of acute or chronic blood loss
  • Regeneration of hemolysis (breakdown of erythrocytes in the circulation)
  • Bone marrow diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma
  • Control of anemia therapy

Possible causes of a low reticulocyte count are:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency (megaloblastic anemia)
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Renal anemia or kidney failure (erythropoietin deficiency)
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
  • Cytostatic therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Medications
  • Panmyelopathy
  • Hemolytic transfusion reaction
  • Viral infections (parvovirosis)
  • Poisoning by bone marrow-damaging substances (benzene)
  • 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 sex. 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
  • Drug reactions
  • Diseases such as cancer or kidney disease
  • Acute or chronic blood loss
  • Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Physical activity or excitement
  • 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 the ESR is only rarely measured. Inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer are associated with an increase in the ESR.

Possible causes of an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in dogs and cats are:

  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer)
  • Parasitic infections such as heartworm disease and tick-borne diseases
  • Pregnancy
  • Anemia
  • Medications such as corticosteroids

Possible causes of a decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR):

  • Low protein levels in the blood due to liver disease or malnutrition
  • Polycythemia (increased number of red blood cells with simultaneously reduced plasma volume)
  • Heart failure
  • 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.
  • Age
  • Stress

Possible causes of low CRP values are:

  • There is no inflammatory condition
  • Disorders of CRP measurement in hemolysis (breakdown of erythrocytes) or lipemia (high fat content) of the blood sample
  • The body has not yet reacted to inflammation
  • 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. Viral, 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.

Possible causes of increased PCT values may be:

  • 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 is a relatively new blood test parameter and is still relatively rarely used routinely in veterinary medicine.

Possible causes of a rapid drop in an initially elevated PCT value:

  • Antibiotic therapy