Segmented neutrophils are elevated in a dog: possible diseases and treatments. Blood test in dogs

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Neutrophils, which are young, stab and segmented in terms of maturity, are the most important cells of nonspecific blood protection. Their main function is to prevent the penetration of microbes into the body of a pet. If, according to the results of a laboratory study, it was revealed that segmented neutrophils are increased in a dog, then the cause may be an oncological or inflammatory process, pathology of the liver, kidneys. In such cases, it is said that there has been a shift to the right. An increased number of neutrophils is called neutrophilia.

Neutrophils

White blood cells are responsible for the animal's immune response. The leukocyte formula, which makes it possible to assess the state of the body, includes various types of leukocytes (basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes).

What are neutrophils? It's uniformblood elements, the main function of which is to destroy foreign particles that have entered the animal's body, i.e. protection from dangerous infections. An increase in their concentration in the blood indicates poisoning, an infectious process, oncology, inflammation. A low content indicates a malfunction of the immune system, bone marrow abnormalities, anemia, bacterial and fungal infections. In addition, radiation therapy and antifungal drugs provoke a decrease in neutrophils.

Segmented and stab neutrophils

In the blood of the animal there are both mature segmented cells and young stab cells. The detection of a large number of stab neutrophils in the blood means that the body reacts sluggishly to pathogenic and physiological environmental stimuli. And with an increase in segmental ones, oncology, various infections, kidney and liver failure, and inflammatory processes are suspected.

In addition, their concentration increases with stress in the dog and after psycho-emotional arousal. The predominance of segmented neutrophils means a shift of the leukocyte formula to the right. From storage in the bone marrow, a large number of mature blood cells are released into the bloodstream. As a result, the movement of neutrophils into tissues in the circulating blood is reduced.

What do segmented neutrophils say?

These are large blood cells that are mature. This name was given to them for the unusual shape of the nucleus, consisting of separate segments interconnectedchromatin bridges. Segmented neutrophils can be present in the blood of an animal in varying amounts. Their content is influenced by the condition of the animal. They have a pronounced protective function due to the synthesis of lytic, bactericidal, pyrogenic and antitoxic factors.

If a dog has elevated segmented neutrophils, then this condition is called neutrophilia, and if it is lowered, neutropenia. Mature neutrophils, having penetrated to the pathogenic focus, envelop foreign cells and destroy them. At the same time, they themselves die, releasing a special substance into the blood, which attracts other elements to help. They are able to cope with microorganisms, but viruses are not subject to them.

Blood test

Clinical analysis of the blood of a dog is one of the important diagnostic studies, which confirms or refutes the diagnosis. Blood is taken from an animal from a vein and analyzed according to the following indicators:

1. Red blood - hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocytes. The level of blood filling and oxygen saturation is assessed.
2. White blood (leukocyte formula) - leukocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes. The presence and nature of inflammation is revealed.
3. ESR - an increased value means the presence of an inflammatory process in the body of a pet.
4. Platelets - according to the results of this indicator, pathologies such as leukemia, oncology, burns, cirrhosis of the liver are detected.

Many veterinary clinics have the ability to take blood from a dog at home. The price of the analysis is quite affordable and is in the range of 500-1000 rubles. The advantage of donating biomaterial at home is the absence of nervousness in the animal, a comfortable and familiar environment. Specialists can arrive at any time of the day.

What is lymphoma

This is a type of cancer. The insidiousness of this disease lies in the long asymptomatic course. Often, the owner of the animal reveals neoplasms when they can no longer be cured. The tumor affects the lymphatic system, which is an important link in metabolic processes. This pathology is often diagnosed in dogs of different breeds. Most often it occurs:

• at bulldogs;
• St. Bernards;
• airdale;
• Scotch Terriers;
• German Shepherds;
• boxers;
• labradors;
• and some others.

The incidence depends on age, the most susceptible animals are six to nine years old. A routine blood test helps to identify this disease. An increase in the total number of leukocytes indicates the presence of pathology, including segmented neutrophils in the dog. Severe leukocytosis is observed in hematological and oncological pathologies. Of course, one laboratory test is not enough to make a final diagnosis, since any disease has its own characteristic symptoms. It is important to remember that a slight increase in white blood cells also occurs under physiological conditions - stress, physicalload, pregnancy and lactation.

How to tell if a dog is sick

If a pet is active, cheerful, agile and has a good appetite, and the coat is shiny, then everything is fine with him and there is no reason to worry. The main indicators of he alth in dogs:

• respiratory rate within 12-25 breaths per minute;
• body temperature in the range of 37.5-39.4 degrees;
• pulse - the norm is from 70 to 160 beats per minute.

You can determine that your pet is sick by the following signs:

1. Position - the dog takes a forced position of the body, cannot doze off or rest in a relaxed position.
2. Wool - pale and dull, skin with a hint of yellowness.
3. Genito-urinary system - frequent urination or inability to control urine.
4. External manifestations - apathy, lethargy or, conversely, strong excitement, impaired coordination. Loss of appetite, refusal to drink, poor sleep.
5. Nose, mouth, eyes - bad smell from the mouth, purulent discharge from the eyes, cracks and dry nose.
6. Breathing is either difficult or rapid. Wheezing may occur.
7. Violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract - frequent vomiting, constipation. Increased salivation.

Lymphoma: causes, stages and types

The following causes of the disease are distinguished:

• infectious;
• genetic;
• immunological;
• negative environmental impact;
• toxin poisoningand pesticides;
• poor immunity;
• long-term use of antibacterial agents.

There are several stages of the disease:

• one lymph node is affected;
• several lymph nodes are involved in the process;
• mutation of nodes occurs in the body and their increase in size;
• destroys the liver and spleen;
• The nervous system, bone marrow and other important organs are involved in the pathological process.

There are the following types of diseases and their characteristic symptoms:

1. Mediastinal - hypercalcemia, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.
2. Extranodal - damage to a specific organ: heart, eye, bone marrow, nasal cavity, central nervous system, bladder.
3. Alimentary or gastrointestinal - an increase in the peritoneum, intestinal upset, vomiting, weight loss. Damage to the spleen and liver.
4. Dermal - inflammation of the lymph nodes.
5. Multicentric - Occurrence of peripheral lymphadenopathy.

It has been proven that spayed and neutered pets are the least susceptible to cancer. In addition, they are easier to treat and have a higher drug absorption rate.

Main symptoms of lymphoma

The clinical picture of oncology in a dog is as follows:

• frequent urination;
• thirst;
• vomiting;
• poor appetite;
• temperature increase;
• weight loss;
• depression;
• baldness;
• sluggishness;
• increased inguinal, submandibular lymph nodes.

The disease can affect different organs of a pet. If metastases have penetrated the intestines or stomach, then blood blotches will appear in the feces. If in the lungs, the dog will be tormented by a cough, possibly suffocation.

Therapeutic activities. Consequences of the disease

The main treatment for lymphoma in dogs is chemotherapy combined with corticosteroids. The selection of medicines is carried out by the veterinarian individually, depending on the condition of the animal and the data of the histological examination. Several courses of treatment are recommended, each of which uses a new drug. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and increase life expectancy. The prognosis of the disease is disappointing.

Lymphosarcoma is a fairly aggressive type of cancer. Metastases form very quickly. It is almost impossible to cure it. However, if detected in the early stages and timely chemotherapy, there is a chance to extend the life of a pet for several years. Taking aggressive drugs has a negative effect on the internal organs. First of all, the digestive, nervous system, bone marrow and hair suffer. At all stages of therapy, blood testing is mandatory. Unfortunately, even after successful treatment, the disease returns.

Common Cancers in Dogs

Veterinarians identify the following types of cancer in dogs:

• lymphoma;
• prostate cancer;
• melanoma;
• transitional cell;
• malignant histiocytoma;
• breast cancer;
• bone cancer.

These ailments are most commonly diagnosed in pets. Modern methods are used for treatment - chemo-, radio- and immunotherapy, as well as surgical intervention.

Danger Signs

Dog owners should closely monitor their pet's he alth and if one or more of the following signs appear, seek professional help as soon as possible:

• appearance of seal in the form of bumps;
• presence of ulcerative lesions on the skin;
• rapid neoplasm growth;
• bad mouth smell;
• low activity;
• pain syndrome that does not go away even after taking analgesic medications;
• difficulty swallowing;
• bleeding;
• drastic weight loss;
• lack of appetite;
• gait disturbance;
• bleeding;
• breathing difficulties;
• Changes in frequency of defecation and urination.

Veterinarian after examining your pet will definitely recommend to take tests. And if it turns out that segmented neutrophils are elevated in a dog, then she will be prescribed the necessary treatment. Protected dog breeds from neutrophilia do not exist in nature. However, some of them are more prone to such a terrible disease - these are boxers, sharpei, bulldogs.