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My dog has blood parasites, anemia, liver problems. Will she be okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 11 months old

We had our dog checked at the Vet yesterday and the vet said she had blood parasitism, anemia and a liver problem. And we already bought all the medications prescribed by the vet. I’m a little bit worried though, her platelets were just 24 and the normal was 200-500. She eats and drinks well. She’s just tired all the time. Will she be fine after 3 weeks of medication? And may i ask what causes the blood parasitism and liver problems?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2019

Hello. I am, unfortunately, unfamiliar with all the parasites present in your area, but there are several tick borne diseases that can cause the symptoms you describe. Ehrlichiosis is a blood parasite that is spread through tick bites & will cause fever, malaise, anemia, thrombocytopenia ( low platelets ), elevated ALT ( liver enzyme ), loss of appetite & weight loss. The disease can be mild or life-threatening. Many of these tick borne diseases present in a similar manner. Treatment with tetracycline drugs such as doxycycline are standard, & treatment is often 3 weeks long. Most dogs do very well if there are no other underlying diseases or problems. If this sounds like what WaWa has, then for the most part, she should recover. Make sure that from here on out you do meticulous tick control. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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