What lab finding is commonly associated with Canine Ehrlichiosis?

Prepare for the Hawaii Veterinary State Licensing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared for your examination!

Thrombocytopenia is a lab finding commonly associated with Canine Ehrlichiosis due to the disease's impact on the marrow and platelet production. Ehrlichiosis is caused by infection with the Ehrlichia bacteria, which can lead to a reduction in platelet numbers as the body’s immune system responds to the infection. This immune-mediated response often results in the destruction of platelets, contributing to the clinically significant decrease in platelet count observed in affected dogs.

In contrast, while hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia, and normal leukocyte counts can occur in various conditions, they are not specifically or commonly linked to Canine Ehrlichiosis. Hypercalcemia typically indicates other underlying issues, such as malignancies or certain metabolic disorders. Hyperlipidemia may occur due to various metabolic or dietary conditions but does not have a direct association with Ehrlichiosis. A normal leukocyte count is not consistent with inflammation or infection, especially in the case of a disease such as Ehrlichiosis, where one would expect changes in the white blood cell count. Thus, the presence of thrombocytopenia stands out as a hallmark laboratory finding usually found in cases of Canine Ehrlichiosis.

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