Diseases - General information

Content

Diseases in dogs

Diseases in cats

Emergencies / First aid

Poisoning / First aid

What exactly are illnesses? Is my pet ill?

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

Every illness is characterized by certain signs (symptoms) that can be used to identify the illness. Not all symptoms are easily recognizable or visible. Sometimes special examinations are required to detect them.

Which diseases are particularly common in dogs and cats?

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, gingivitis, or periodontitis.
  • Ear infections:Approximately 20% of dogs suffer from ear infections (otitis externa) at least once in their lives.
  • Skin diseases:Skin allergies affect an estimated 10–15% of all dogs. Atopic dermatitis is particularly common. Skin infections such as bacterial dermatitis affect an estimated 5-10% of all dogs.
  • Stomach/Intestinal Upsets: Vomiting is a common symptom, affecting approximately 15% of dogs annually. Approximately 10% of canine veterinary visits are due to diarrhea or other intestinal upset.
  • Noncancerous 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 about 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 about 14% of all dogs at least once in their lives.

 

The most common diseases in cats:

  • Dental diseases (tooth infection, caries, abscess):Up to 70% of cats over three years of age show signs of dental disease. Tartar, gingivitis, and FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions) dental disease 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 affect the health and well-being of the animals.
  • Skin diseases:Approximately 5-10% of cats exhibit skin diseases, with allergic skin reactions accounting for around 5%. Allergies to fleas, food, or environmental substances lead to itching, skin reddening, hair loss, and secondary infections.
  • Stomach/intestinal problems:Stomach problems with vomiting affect around 10% of cats each year. Causes can be hairballs, food intolerances, infections, or serious illnesses 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 infestation to inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Heart disease:About 6–7% of all cats suffer from some form of heart disease. The number is probably significantly higher (10–15% of all cats), as many cases go undiagnosed. Symptoms often only appear in advanced stages. This shows how important it is to check heart function before general anesthesia.

 

The most common diseases in older cats

  • Chronic kidney disease and urinary tract disease: Approximately 10% of cats over seven years of age are affected, with the incidence increasing with age. Progressive loss of kidney function leads to symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Approximately 5–8% of cats develop urinary tract diseases during their lifetime. Conditions such as urinary stones, urinary tract infections, or idiopathic cystitis (of unknown origin). Cystitis leads to painful urination, frequent urination, and can become life-threatening if left untreated.
  • Hyperthyroidismon (Hyperthyroidism): Affects approximately 10% of cats over ten years old. The overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to weight loss despite increased appetite, as well as hyperactivity, increased thirst, and possibly 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 literature. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are important for early detection and treatment of these diseases.

We should keep a close eye on these diseases.

The most important dental diseases or gum diseases in dogs and cats

Dental problems in dogs

Gum problems in dogs

Dental problems in cats

Gum problems in cats

The most important ear diseases in dogs and cats.

Ear diseases can affect different regions. These are:

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

Possible causes of diseases include:

  • bacterial or fungal infections,
  • parasitic infestation (ear mites),
  • foreign bodies in the external auditory canal,
  • injuries, and
  • tumors.

The most common ear diseases in dogs are:

 

The most common ear diseases in cats are:

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

Skin problems in dogs

Skin problems in cats

The most important gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and cats

Gastrointestinal disorders in dogs

 
 
 
 
 
 

An overview of gastrointestinal problems in dogs can be found here:

https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/

You will also receive information on questions such as:

  • What is the importance of the intestine beyond the digestion of nutrients?
  • What are probiotics and how are they used?

Gastrointestinal disorders in cats

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

An overview of gastrointestinal problems in cats can be found here:

https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/

You will also receive information on questions such as:

  • What is the importance of the intestine beyond the digestion of nutrients?
  • What are probiotics and how are they used?

The most important kidney diseases in dogs and cats

The Most Important Kidney Diseases in Dogs

The Most Important Kidney Diseases in Cats

In addition to the typical kidney diseases listed here, there are a number of other diseases, especially infectious diseases, in which the kidneys are also affected.

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 any health problems being responsible. Causes for these fluctuations can include, in particular, age, breed, pregnancy, time of day, last feed intake, state of excitement, and examination methods (reference values from the “Synlab” laboratory).

Reference values for hematology and clinical chemistry for dogs and cats

Hematology Dog

Leukocytes

  • Neutrophil granulocytes /µl 2500–8100
  • Lymphocytes /µl 1000–3900
  • Monocytes /µl <600
  • Eosinophil granulocytes /µl <1100
  • Basophil 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

Platelets G/l 110–580

Clinical Chemistry Dog

Liver

  • Alkaline 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
  • Total bilirubin µmol/l < 5.1

Pancreas

  • Amylase U/l 314-1142
  • DGGR lipase U/l < 127
  • Muscles CK U/l < 338
  • LDH U/I < 497

Fat metabolism

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

Kidney

  • Creatinine µmol/l < 141
  • Urea mmol/l 4.3-9.4

Electrolytes

  • Sodium mmol/l 144–152
  • Potassium mmol/l 4.3-5.7
  • Na/Ka ratio mmol/l 26-35
  • Calcium mmol/l 2.44-2.82
  • Magnesium mmol/l 0.77-1.09
  • Chloride mmol/l 106-117
  • Phosphate mmol/l 0.82-2.0

Carbohydrate metabolism

  • Glucose mmol/l 3.9-6.7 3.9-6.7
  • Fructosamine µmol/l 166-318

Protein metabolism

  • Albumin g/l 28.1-39.4
  • Globulin g/l 25.7-42.2
  • Total protein g/l 56.8-76.2

Thyroid

  • T4 nmol/l 12.2-46.4

Hematology Cat

Leukocytes G/l 3.9-12.5

  • Neutrophil granulocytes /µl 1500–9400
  • Lymphocytes /µl 1000–4900
  • Monocytes /µl <600
  • Eosinophil granulocytes /µl <1300
  • Basophil 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

PlateletsG/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
  • Muscles 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

Fat metabolisml

  • Cholesterol mmol/l 2.7-9.0
  • Triglycerides mmol/l 0.3-1.9

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

Leukocytes include cells responsible for defense against pathogens and for the immune system.

The number of leukocytes in the blood provides information about

  • whether sufficient white blood cells are being produced in the bone marrow and
  • whether inflammation or a blood disorder might 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 subdivided into neutrophil granulocytes, eosinophil granulocytes, and basophil granulocytes.
  • Lymphocytes, which are important for the immune system and contribute to the formation of antibodies.
  • Monocytes, 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).

Neutrophils are a subtype of leukocytes (white blood cells) and are part of the immune system. They are essential for fighting infections and wound healing. Neutrophils can fight:

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

Possible causes for a reduced neutrophil count:

  • Bone marrow damage, e.g. B. 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)
  • Cancer (e.g., various leukemias, tumors)
  • Bone marrow diseases (e.g., aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome)
  • Immunodeficiency (e.g., genetic or acquired immunodeficiency)
  • Medications (e.g., chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressants)

Possible causes of an increased neutrophil count:

  • Acute and chronic Inflammations
  • Bacterial infections
  • Metabolic disorders (uremia, eclampsia)
  • Cancer (e.g., leukemia)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Stress and physical strain
  • Pregnancy
  • Medication (e.g., cortisone treatment, adrenaline)

Lymphocytes are a type of leukocyte (white blood cell) and are part of the immune system. They can provide valuable information about the function of the immune system.

Lymphocytes are examined if the following are suspected:

  • Recurrent infections
  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Lymphocytosis or lymphopenia
  • Radiation therapy
  • Fungal or parasitic infections

Possible causes of low lymphocyte counts:

  • Congenital immune deficiencies
  • Acquired immune deficiencies
  • Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Radiation, chemotherapy, and cortisone therapy
  • Medications (immunosuppressants, cytostatics, steroids)
  • Chronic liver diseases (e.g., liver cirrhosis, hepatitis)
  • Burns
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Renal insufficiency
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Viral infections (parvovirus, distemper)
  • Stress and strenuous physical exertion
  • Leukemias and Tumors
  • Pneumonia

Possible causes of excessively high lymphocyte counts:

  • Viral infections
  • Chronic bacterial infections (e.g., Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis)
  • Fungal infections
  • Cancer (e.g., lymphomas and leukemia)
  • Allergies
  • Atopic diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Stress
  • Strenuous 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 migrate into the tissue and mature there.

Possible causes for an increased monocyte count are:

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

Possible causes for a decreased monocyte count can be:

  • Bone marrow diseases (e.g., B. aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome)
  • Medications (e.g., chemotherapy drugs)
  • Viral infections: Certain (e.g., parvovirus, distemper)
  • Diseases such as chronic kidney failure or liver disease

Eosinophil granulocytes are a type of leukocyte (white blood cells) and are involved in the defense against parasites (especially worms) and viruses.

The number of eosinophil granulocytes is examined if:

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

Possible causes of an increase in eosinophil 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 exercise tolerance
  • Mucous membranes pale
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching,
  • Pustules and papules, hives
  • Disorientation

Possible causes of a reduced eosinophil count are:

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

Basophil 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 because they can release substances (histamines).

Possible causes for an increased number of basophil granulocytes are:

  • Cancers (e.g., mast cell tumors)
  • Parasitic infections
  • Bone marrow diseases (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia)
  • Allergic reaction
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
  • Polycythemia vera (PV)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chronic inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)

Possible causes for a decreased number of basophil granulocytes are: 

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

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) transport oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and cells of the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Erythrocytes are the most abundant cells in the blood and contain the blood pigment hemoglobin. The formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) occurs primarily 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 include:

  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Hair loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice (icterus)

Possible causes of a high RBC count include:

  • Dehydration
  • Heart or lung disease
  • Cancer (e.g., leukemia)
  • Living at high altitudes, as the body attempts 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 include:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Bleeding
  • Parasites
  • Medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency)
  • Diseases (e.g., cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases)

Bone marrow diseases (types of cancer)

Hemoglobin is the red blood pigment in red blood cells (erythrocytes) that binds oxygen and transports it throughout the bloodstream. Levels vary significantly depending on age and gender.

Possible causes of low hemoglobin levels are:

  • Anemia
  • Blood loss
  • Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency
  • Increased red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis)
  • Pregnancy
  • Excess water in the body (hyperhydration)
  • Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD)
  • Kidney disease
  • 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 certain form of blood cancer (polycythemia vera, PV)
  • Hormone-producing renal cell carcinomas
  • The drug erythropoietin (EPO)
  • Prolonged stay at higher altitudes
  • Polycythemia

The hematocrit indicates the ratio between liquid and solid components in the blood. The liquid component of the blood is called blood plasma, or simply plasma. The solid components of the blood are the blood cells. The red blood cells, or erythrocytes, 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; a low proportion of blood cells, and consequently a low hematocrit, makes the blood thinner.

Signs of a low hematocrit include:

  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Breathing difficulties and shortness of breath
  • Cold extremities (ears, legs)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Water retention (edema)

Signs of an elevated hematocrit include:

  • Reddened skin
  • Unsteady gait
  • Confusion
  • Increased heart rate

Possible causes of a low hematocrit include:

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

Possible causes of an elevated hematocrit:

  • Polycythemia, excessive red blood cell production (e.g., lung disease, leukemia, hormonal disorders)
  • Dehydration (fluid deficiency)
  • Lack of oxygen

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, known as macrocytic anemia, include:

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

Possible causes of a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in dogs and cats, known as microcytic anemia, include:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease
  • Blood loss due to injury, surgery, 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 red blood cells (erythrocytes), i.e., the average hemoglobin content of a single erythrocyte.

Possible causes of low MCH:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Copper deficiency
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency
  • Anemia with chronic inflammation
  • Cancer anemia
  • Aplastic anemia

Possible causes of 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 low MCHC:

  • Hypochromic anemias (e.g., iron deficiency, thalassemia, copper deficiency)
  • Iron utilization disorders
  • Myelodysplastic syndrome

Possible causes of 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 red blood cells are called reticulocytes. The reticulocyte count indicates the proportion of these immature cells relative 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 for assessing bone marrow activity with regard to red blood cell production. In the event of blood loss or anemia, healthy bone marrow responds by increasing the production and release of reticulocytes. Their determination is therefore well-suited for assessing bone marrow function.

Possible causes of a high reticulocyte count can be:

  • Recovery of acute or chronic blood loss
  • Recovery of hemolysis (dissolution of red blood cells in the circulation)
  • Bone marrow diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma
  • Monitoring of anemia therapy

Possible causes of a low reticulocyte count can be:

  • Vitanin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency (megaloblastic anemia)
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Renal anemia or renal insufficiency (erythropoietin deficiency)
  • Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
  • Cytotoxic therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Medications
  • Panmyelopathy
  • Hemolytic transfusion reaction
  • Viral infections (parvovirus)
  • 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 clotting and play an important role in preventing excessive bleeding. Platelet count values vary depending on age, race, and gender. The platelet count is an important part 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 clotting.

Possible causes of a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) include:

  • Immune-mediated destruction of platelets
  • Suppression of bone marrow function (bone marrow suppression), e.g. B. due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
  • Infectious diseases such as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
  • Drug reactions
  • Diseases such as cancer or kidney disease
  • Acute or chronic blood loss
  • Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Possible causes of an elevated platelet count (thrombocytosis) in dogs and cats include:

  • Inflammatory diseases 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 nonspecific test, but it provides information about the degree of inflammation in the body. More accurate, more meaningful tests are now available, so the ESR is rarely measured. Inflammatory diseases such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer are associated with an increase in the ESR.

Possible causes of an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in dogs and cats include:

  • Inflammatory diseases (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 low erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

  • Low protein levels in the blood due to liver disease or malnutrition
  • Polycythemia (increased red blood cell count with 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 inflammation, infection, tissue damage, or other inflammatory disorders. The CRP test is not very specific but is commonly used in veterinary medicine to assess the presence and severity of inflammation in dogs and cats. Stress and surgery are also associated with elevated CRP levels.

Possible causes of high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in dogs and cats include:

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

Possible causes of low CRP levels include:

  • No inflammation is present
  • Disturbances in CRP measurement due to hemolysis (dissolution of red blood cells) or lipemia (high fat content) in the blood sample
  • The body has not yet responded to inflammation
  • Hypoproteinemia (protein deficiency) due to liver disease or malnutrition

Procalcitonin is a protein produced in response to bacterial infections and inflammation. PCT levels are particularly useful for diagnosing, monitoring the progression, and controlling treatment in very serious bacterial diseases such as sepsis. Viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, as well as allergies and autoimmune diseases, do not lead to an increase in PCT levels in the blood and are therefore not detected by this test.

Possible causes of elevated PCT levels include:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Inflammations such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), inflammation of the intestine, and trauma such as surgery 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 for a rapid decline in an initially elevated PCT value: 

  • Antibiotic therapy