Hi everyone I have been looking at this site for a long time. It has been very helpful with great information and advice.We

have an 11 month gsp Frankie who is a fabulous dog. About 2 weeks ago he developed diarhea occasional vomiting and became

lethargic. We took him to the vet who felt he looked pale the blood test said his red blood cell count was 17%, normal is

37 to 50% he also has mild elevation of liver and kidney function. An xray of his abdomen was normal. He tested negative

for hookworm and parvo but we dewormed him on Friday just in case. A coombs test was also done on Friday to rule out

anything autoimmune although the vet doesnt feel thats likely due to his age. Tomorrow we return to get the results and to

recheck his RBC count. He no longer has diarhea or is vomiting. His appetite is ok but not like usual. We cant understand

why he isnt producing any red blood cells. I am hoping someone may  have some ideas of what may be going on with him. Any

help  would be greatly appreciated. I am very worried. Thanks.

Thanks for the advice. I will let you know what happens tomorrow.

 (Update on Frankie ) Hi a little update on Frankie. We saw the vet on Mon. he wanted to do another fecal sample so that was done but I wont have results until Wed. He also wanted to wait until Thurs to redo the blood test, so we are still unsure of what is happening. Frankie was his old self on Monday but he was fairly lethargic today however this evening he is wanting to play and eat. Hopefully we will get good news. Thanks for your responses.

Frankie-

We had a similar situation with Joey about 2 months ago. We think she drank some bad water (she was out in the field all weekend). Anyway, she didn't eat or drink for about 3-4 days , was extremely lethargic and had horrible diarrhea so we took her in to the vet. she had to go on fluids and they ran a whole panel of tests. I can't remember everything they tested for but two of tests they had to send away for. Everything was normal (no giardia) but one of the liver tests showed some elevated liver function and diagnosed her with 'liver disease'. She stayed overnight, they put her on antacid and antibiotic and she got better in a few days.

Anyway, it sounds very similar to your situation. Best of luck to you I hope your pup is OK

Just back from vet again. The blood test shows the blood cell count is lower then last week. The autoimmune test came back negative. A urinalysis for his kidneys is now being done if this doesnt reveal the problem he will need to see a specialist for a bone marrow test. Does anyone have any experience with this type of procedure. I will try to post a picture of my handsome boy. Keep hoping.

By any chance has he had any vaccines recently?  Our dog had a bad reaction to vaccines and ended up in the emergency hospital with immune mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), which involves a drastic reduction in platelets, which clot the blood.  I know you said your vet has ruled out autoimmune diseases.  You may wish to have an internal medicine specialist run some tests.  It saved our dog's life.

Emily

He hasnt had any vaccinations in over 5 months. If his blood count is low on Monday then he will be referred to the specialist in Vancouver.

I hope everything works out for you and Frankie.  I know how upsetting and anxiety-filled a situation like this can be. 

Emily

No allergies we are aware of. He is sleeping a lot to be expected due to low RBC count. Eats some of his food (Orijen) but doesnt keep it down all the time so he is eating white rice with ground beef or chicken. Vet did mention ultrasound last week but when we talked today he thought if counts low on Monday he should see specialist. When hubby asked about leukemia he didnt rule it out.

(Update on Frankie) This morning we went to the specialist in Vancouver. Urine tested normal no kidney disease. Red blood count down to 13 from 19. They did an ultrasound all appeared normal. They felt it is Hemolytic anemia however, cannot say for certain without bone marraow aspirate. After discussions with the Dr.  no time to do bone marrow as his RBC count is so low and it takes 4 days for diagnosis... If not hemolytic anemia his bone marrow is not reproducing RBC and therfore his illness is untreatable. Our decision along with the Dr. was to  opt to go  with the possibility it might be Hemolytic anemia. He is presently in hospital and has started treatment. We may have to do blood transfusion in next few days to keep RBC count up. It will take 3 to 4 days to determine if medication is working. If treatment works 60 to 75% chance to go into remission. If not hemolytic amemia no chance of recovery. He has proven to be a fighter the Dr. was surprised at how strong he was acting under the circumstances so lets hope for the best. Thanks Kim and Norm

My heart goes out to you.  GSP's are fighters, so don't lose hope.  He is in the best place to get the right treatment. I mentioned in an earlier post that our boy had ITP.  He pulled through into remission against all odds.  I will keep you and Frankie in my thoughts and wish you the best.

Emily