Which laboratory finding indicates the presence of Canine Ehrlichiosis on a blood smear?

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!

The presence of morulae in monocytes is a key laboratory finding indicative of Canine Ehrlichiosis when examining a blood smear. Morulae are small, round clusters of bacteria that can be observed within the cytoplasm of monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. This characteristic appearance is a result of the infection caused by the Ehrlichia bacteria, which invade monocytes and replicate within them, leading to the formation of these distinctive clusters.

Identifying morulae through microscopic examination of a blood smear is critical for diagnosis, as it provides direct visual evidence of the infection. This finding is specific to the disease and is used by veterinarians to confirm suspicion of canine ehrlichiosis based on clinical signs and history.

In contrast, other options do not provide a direct indicator of ehrlichial infection. An elevated leukocyte count can occur due to various infections or inflammatory conditions but is not specific to Ehrlichiosis. A high hemoglobin level generally suggests anemia is not present, which is not characteristic of canine ehrlichiosis, where anemia can occur. Finally, a normal platelet count would not indicate Ehrlichiosis, as this disease often leads to a significant decrease in platelet numbers due to the body's immune response to the parasite. Thus, mor

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