Leukemia in young GSD - Page 1

A friend has a young GSD male who is currently four-and-one-half (4.5) years old. He had become thin, began to progessively avoid food, and had a high temperature. I asked about his breath and she said that it smelled foul. I asked about his stools and she said they appeared normal. His body temperature was also elevated several degrees. The examining veterinarian first suspected failure of the liver or pancreas. From that the results of this morning's first blood diagnosis it has been determined that he has leukemia due to the high white blood cell count and elevated temperature. Although I know that dogs can get this malady, I never experienced it and have virtually no knowledge of the disease, hence I cannot give her any advice. Her veterinarian has suggested prednisone for treatment. Of course this is not a cure, just a remedy to extend his life. Do any of you guys have ideas/suggestions that I can pass along to her? I really appreciate it, Bob-O

Bob-O, The high white cell count and fever are indicative of an infection. The diagnosis of leukemia would have to be based on other specifics. While prednisone would be useful for an inflammatory condition perhaps, it would not help, but in fact would hinder the resolution of an infection. It would also not be particularly useful in a true leukemia. But to my knowledge, canine leukemia is not common. Has the vet looked specifically at potentials for infectious disease? Where does the dog live?

To make the immune system stronger, try gradually switching to a raw diet and/or try a safe, human-grade product called Tranfer Factor. http://www.alternativechoiceshealingcenter.bigstep.com/item.jhtml;$sessionid$JV4TPCIAABCJ5TZENUEXBMWPERWRJPX0?UCIDs=909974%7C1074066&PRID=1512103 Maybe this will help, Sincerely, gsdlova

It could be Babesiosis, a tick born disease. All the signs are there: temperature, loss of appetite, lethargy.

there are many tick borne diseases with the same symptoms...... I would suspect kidney failure if the dog's breath was foul although that is a very particular odor.... Have never heard of leukemia in dogs personally and didn't realize a high temp accompanied the condition.... I'd also look for an infection of some sort and would definitely run more tests.. prednisone is going to reduce swelling, but what about antibiotics, etc???

My first GSD died from leukemia/lymphosarcoma at 7 1/2 years of age. The only sure way I know of to diagnose this disease is a biposy of one of the enlarged lymph nodes. This can be done with a needle biopsy and does not require anesthesia. Were this my dog, I'd insist on a more extensive work up before I'd accept the diagnosis of leukemia. You didn't mention enlarged lymph nodes; that is the benchmark for a diagnosis of leukemia. It is a horrible disease and a heartbreaker for all involved.

Hodie, thanks for your reply. I agree that this morning's diagnosis seemed very premature, as I was sure there were more tests required in order to determine the presence of leukemia. I was curious about the kidneys, only because I lost an older bitch from kidney failure nine (9) years ago, and I remebered that well. That is why I asked her about the dog's breath odour, and whether is smelled like strong urine. She said "No, it just smells bad." Which of course indicates something is seriously wrong. When she told me about the high fever, my first thought was an infection. When she mentioned that the veterinarian said he had a high white blood cell count, again I thought an infection. I agree about the prednisone, as its only real function is to suppress parts of the immune system in order to reduce inflammation, which as you say can make it worse. The dog lives in Middle Tennessee, and of course every tick-bourne disease known to man lives there. Jeannie, thanks for the information about Babesiosis. I did not think of that one, and it is also a danger to humans. Even though the dog is on tick preventative they can still be bitten. I will be in Tennessee tomorrow, and may have a chance to speak to her and look at the dog myself. I will certainly bring it up, and aske her to again speak to her veterinarian. Thanks everyone for the information you have shared. Bob-O

I agree with Hodie on this matter. High WBC count and fever are classical signs of deep seated chronic infection. Definitely the dog is lethargic due to episodic fever and loss of apetite is the end result. Putting a dog on Steroid is not a good choice on the part of the vet even if he has diagnosed it as leukemia. We should never forget that prednisone or prednisolone or all other related steroids are immunosepressent and here we need to help the dog out with immunosupplement. I think you should suggest your vet to run more tests specially biopsy to be certain of his diagnosis. High WBC could be anything. God bless your dog.

Bob-O. Given where the dog lives, some tick borne infection is a good start to be checking out. Babesiosis or Lyme disease are possibilities. Also, breath that smells bad, when not due to tooth decay in a much older dog, is absolutely not normal and could be a sign of serious metabolic problems. Liver or kidney failure in so young a dog must have an explanation. If your friend can keep the dog hydrated and on something to reduce the fever, I would also suggest seeking out a second opinion immediately. It would not hurt to put the dog on some broad spectrum antibiotic immediately, even though there might be a viral infection. Again, prednisone is an excellent anti-inflammatory and useful in many situations. However, the situation you are describing does not seem one that is appropriate for a steroid. Keep us posted.

The first and the most important thing is to bring the fever down. Consult the vet and ask him to prescribe some centrally acting antipyretic. A plain Paracetamol would be fine if given in the right dose with plent of water. Usage of broad spectrum antibiotic is again advisable and right thing even if the dog has viral infection. Its going to protect the dog against the secondary infection. Still, the last opinion is the opinion of the vet.