Mycoplasma haemocanis in Dogs: Symptoms, Splenectomy Risks, and Treatment
Introduction Mycoplasma haemocanis is a specialized organism that lacks a cell wall and clings to the erythrocyte membranes of dogs. Although the bacterium may remain silent in normal dogs, it may cause serious life-threatening anemia under certain conditions. Unlike Ehrlichia which stays inside white cells, Mycoplasma attaches to the outside of red blood cells, leading to their destruction in the spleen . Attack Mechanism The bacterium differs from others because of its epicellular attachment to the RBC membrane. Immunological Response: The dog's immune system identifies "coated" cells as either damaged or foreign organisms. Extravascular Hemolysis: The infected RBCs are filtered out and destroyed in the spleen. The Outcome: Decrease in the RBC numbers causes regenerative anemia in a short time. Risk Groups, Clues, and Symptoms Normal Healthy Dogs: Usually act as silent carriers; spleen keeps the infection in check. Splenectomized Dogs: Dogs w...