Neutrophils, which in terms of maturity are young, stab and segmented, are the most important cells of non-specific 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 elevated 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 a shift to the right has occurred. An increased number of neutrophils is called neutrophilia.
Neutrophils
White blood cells are responsible for the body'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? These are formed elements of the blood, the main function of which is to destroy foreign particles that have entered the body of the animal, i.e., protection against dangerous infections. An increase in their concentration in the blood indicates poisoning, an infectious process, oncology, and inflammation. Low levels indicate a malfunction of the immune system, bone marrow abnormalities, anemia, and bacterial and fungal infections. In addition, a decrease in neutrophils provokes radiation therapy and the use of antifungal drugs.
Segmented and stab neutrophils
In the blood of an animal, both mature segmented and young stab cells are present. Detection of a large number of stab neutrophils in the blood means that the body is sluggish in its response to pathogenic and physiological environmental stimuli. And with an increase in segmental, 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 in the leukocyte formula to the right. A large number of mature blood cells are released into the bloodstream from a repository located in the bone marrow. As a result, the movement of neutrophils in the tissue is reduced in the circulating blood.
What are segmented neutrophils talking about?
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 interconnected by chromatin jumpers. Segmented neutrophils may be present in the blood of an animal in different amounts. Their content is influenced by the state of the animal. They have a pronounced protective function due to the synthesis of lysing, bactericidal, pyrogenic and antitoxic factors.
If a dog has elevated segmented neutrophils, then this condition is called neutrophilia, and if lowered, neutropenia. Mature neutrophils, having penetrated the pathogenic source, envelop other cells and destroy them. At the same time, they die, releasing a special substance in the blood that attracts other elements to help. They are able to cope with microorganisms, but viruses are not subject to them.
Blood test
Clinical analysis of a dog’s blood is one of the important diagnostic tests with which the diagnosis is confirmed or refuted. The animal takes blood from a vein and analyze it according to the following indicators:
- Red blood - hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells. The level of blood supply and oxygen saturation is estimated.
- White blood (leukocyte formula) - white blood cells, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes. The presence and nature of inflammation is revealed.
- ESR - an increased value means the presence of an inflammatory process in the body of a pet.
- Platelets - according to the results of this indicator, pathologies such as leukemia, oncology, burns, cirrhosis are detected.
Many veterinarians have the ability to take blood from a dog at home. The analysis price is quite affordable and is in the range of 500–1000 rubles. The advantage of putting biomaterial at home is the absence of nervousness in the animal, a comfortable and familiar environment. Specialists can come at any time of the day.
What is lymphoma?
This is a type of cancer. The insidiousness of this ailment lies in a long asymptomatic course. Often the owner of the animal reveals neoplasms when they can no longer be cured. A 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:
- bulldogs;
- St. Bernards;
- airedale terriers;
- scotch terriers;
- German shepherd dogs
- boxers;
- Labradors
- and some others.
The incidence depends on age, the most susceptible animals are animals six to nine years old. A routine blood test helps to identify this ailment. The presence of pathology is indicated by an increase in the total number of leukocytes, including segmented neutrophils in the dog, too. Severe leukocytosis is observed with hematological and oncological pathologies. Of course, a 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 in physiological conditions - stress, physical activity, pregnancy and lactation.
How to understand that a dog is sick
If the pet is active, cheerful, agile and has a good appetite, and the coat is shiny, then everything is fine and there is no reason to worry. The main indicators of health in dogs:
- respiratory rate within 12–25 respiratory movements completed in one 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 symptoms:
- Pose - the dog takes a forced position of the body, can not doze or rest in a relaxed position.
- Coat - pale and dull, skin with a touch of yellowness.
- Genitourinary system - frequent urination or inability to restrain urine.
- External manifestations - apathy, lethargy, or, conversely, severe excitement, impaired coordination. Loss of appetite, refusal of water, poor sleep.
- Nose, mouth, eyes - unpleasant smell from the mouth, purulent discharge from the eyes, cracks and dry nose.
- Breathing - it is either labored or rapid. There may be wheezing.
- Violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract - frequent vomiting, constipation. Increased saliva discharge.
Lymphoma: causes, stages and types
The following causes of the disease are distinguished:
- infectious;
- genetic;
- immunological;
- negative environmental impact;
- poisoning with toxins and pesticides;
- weak 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;
- in the body there is a mutation of nodes and their increase in size;
- the liver and spleen are destroyed;
- the nervous system, bone marrow and other important organs are involved in the pathological process.
The following types of disease and their characteristic symptoms:
- Mediastinal - hypercalcemia, an increase in the mediastinal lymph nodes.
- Extranodal - a lesion of a specific organ: heart, eye, bone marrow, nasal cavity, central nervous system, bladder.
- Alimentary or gastrointestinal - an increase in the peritoneum, intestinal upset, vomiting, weight loss. Damage to the spleen and liver.
- Cutaneous - inflammation of the lymph nodes.
- Multicenter - the occurrence of peripheral lymphadenopathy.
It has been proven that sterilized and neutered pets are the least susceptible to cancer. In addition, they are easier to cure and the percentage of digestibility of drugs is higher.
The main symptoms of lymphoma
The clinical picture of oncology in a dog is as follows:
- frequent urination
- thirst;
- bouts of vomiting;
- poor appetite;
- temperature rise;
- weight loss;
- depression;
- baldness;
- lethargy;
- an increase in inguinal, submandibular lymph nodes.
The disease can affect various organs of a pet. If metastases have penetrated the intestines or stomach, blood stains will appear in the feces. If in the lungs - the dog will be tormented by coughing, possibly choking.
Therapeutic activities. Consequences of the disease
The main method of treating lymphoma in dogs is chemotherapy in combination with corticosteroids. The selection of medicines is carried out by the veterinarian individually, depending on the condition of the animal and the data of histological examination. Several courses of treatment are recommended, in each of which a new drug is used. 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 her. However, with early detection and timely chemotherapy, there is a chance to extend the life of the pet for several years. The use of aggressive drugs has a negative effect on internal organs. First of all, the digestive, nervous system, bone marrow and coat suffer. At all stages of therapy, blood donation is mandatory for analysis. Unfortunately, even after successful treatment, the disease returns.
Common Cancer Forms in Dogs
Veterinarians distinguish the following types of oncology in dogs:
- lymphoma
- prostate cancer;
- melanoma;
- transitional cell;
- malignant histiocytoma;
- mammary cancer;
- bone cancer.
These ailments are most often diagnosed in pets. For treatment, modern methods are used - chemo-, radio- and immunotherapy, as well as surgical intervention.
Dangerous signs
Dog owners should carefully monitor the pet’s health and, if one or more of the following symptoms appears, seek help from a specialist as soon as possible:
- the appearance of a lump-shaped seal;
- the presence of ulcerative lesions on the skin;
- rapid growth of the neoplasm;
- unpleasant smell from the mouth;
- low activity;
- a pain syndrome that does not go away even after taking analgesic medications;
- difficulty swallowing;
- bleeding;
- a sharp decrease in body weight;
- lack of appetite;
- gait disturbance;
- bleeding
- difficulty breathing
- change in the frequency of bowel movements and urination.
The veterinarian, after examining your pet, will definitely recommend taking 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 in nature do not exist. However, some of them are more susceptible to such a terrible disease - these are boxers, sharpei, bulldogs.