It should come as no surprise to anybody who follows this blog that I love hematology and immunology! In previous posts I’ve written about various immune-mediated problems, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and immune-mediated polyarthropathy. This week I’m sharing information about another immune-mediated condition: immune-mediated neutropenia or IMN. I hope you find the material … [Read more…]
I love immunology (the study of the immune system) and hematology (the study of blood). I once contemplated completing a PhD in these fields, but two residencies was enough. Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia or ITP is an immune-mediated disease that is personal. My own dog was diagnosed with this disease during my residency training. This week I’m … [Read more…]
One of the most common physical examination abnormalities documented in dogs and cats is an elevated body temperature. Sometimes a fever persists for weeks or intermittently recurs, and diagnostic testing fails to yield a definitive diagnosis. Such fevers are called fevers of unknown origin or FUO. This week I’ve dedicated some time to explaining this … [Read more…]
Imagine having a condition that causes your head or entire body to shake uncontrollably. That’s what happens in some our dog friends. This problem called tremor syndrome is not uncommon, so I wanted to dedicate some time to explaining the condition. I hope you find the information interesting and shareworthy. Happy reading! Tremor Syndrome – … [Read more…]
This week’s post was written in response to a request for more information from a dedicated follower. Uveitis or inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye is frequently diagnosed in both dogs and cats. Thus, it’s important for pet parents to have a working knowledge of this problem. So, I hope you find the … [Read more…]
Just like you and me, animals develop fevers, and they do so for a wide variety of reasons. A prevailing belief among pet parents is dogs and cats with fevers need antibiotics. Yet, this is not true. So, this week I wanted to get back to some basics and explains what a fever is and … [Read more…]
My favorite aspect of practicing medicine is treating diseases caused by dysfunction of the immune system. In previous blogs, I reviewed two common immune-mediated diseases – immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. A less commonly appreciated condition of immune system dysfunction is immune-mediated polyarthropathy or IMPA, a disease where the immune system attacks a pet’s joints. … [Read more…]
One of the more common reasons for which patients are referred to me is anemia or a low red blood cell count. Red blood cells are truly important as they carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Without an adequate oxygen supply, body organs suffer damage and the body goes into shock. In this … [Read more…]
Platelets having several important functions in the body, chiefly helping to form strong blood clots. One of the more common problems for which patients are referred to me is that of low platelets. This is a condition called thrombocytopenia, and can be life-threatening. Without adequate functional platelets, patients can spontaneously bleed. In this week’s blog … [Read more…]
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the term used to describe the destruction of red blood cells by the body’s immune system. Sometimes this disease is called autoimmune hemolytic anemia and AIHA. Causes of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia… Certain infections, vaccinations, medications and/or cancers may trigger this disease, including: Bacterial infections – Mycoplasma spp., leptospirosis, pyometra (uterine … [Read more…]