What causes lymphopenia in dogs? How to treat it? Before answering these questions, it is important to know that blood is a tissue made up of three types of cells: red blood cells, also known as red blood cells or erythrocytes, and white blood cells or leukocytes and platelets [1]But, what is each type of blood cell used for? The main functions of red blood cells are to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and CO2 from the tissues to the lungs. Hemoglobin, which makes up 95% of the proteins in red blood cells, is responsible for these activities.
What is lymphopenia in dogs?
Lymphocytes are blood cells with different functions, divided into three types: T lymphocytes, produced in the bone marrow and matured in the thymus; B lymphocytes, produced and matured in the bone marrow, being the only cells capable of producing antibodies; and NK lymphocytes (natural killer cells), non-specific cytotoxic cells that are important in the early response to tumor cell and viral infections. The lymphocytes identify foreign molecules contained in different infectious agents, acting and fighting them, defending the organism immunologically.
Lymphopenia is defined as an absolute decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood, being an important warning sign. This condition may also be associated with pancytopenia, which is a reduction in the total number of cells in the blood.
There are three types of lymphopenia that also affect dogs:
- T Lymphopenia: There is a reduction in the number of T lymphocytes, but with normal numbers of the rest of the lymphocytes.
- Lymphopenia B: when there is a reduction in B lymphocytes, but with normal numbers of other lymphocytes. Its cause is, in most cases, associated with the use of drugs that suppress the immune system.
- NK Lymphopenia-Refers to cases where there is a low number of NK cells, but normal numbers of other lymphocytes. However, it is a rare condition.
Causes of lymphopenia in dogs
There are several causes that may be behind low lymphocyte counts in dogs:
- Bacterial or fungal infection.
- Major surgery postoperative.
- Malignant Neoplasms.
- Glucocorticoid therapy.
- Stress.
- Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
- Recent trauma or bleeding.
- Viral infections.
- Protein-calorie malnutrition.
- Autoimmune diseases.
During stress, for example, there is an increase in cortisol released by the adrenal glands in response to major systemic diseases, metabolic disorders and pain, resulting in lymphopenia in dogs. Steroid treatments, such as prednisolone and dexamethasone, also cause lymphopenia. The peak effect of these drugs is observed four to six hours after their administration, returning to the previous values of leukocytes at 24 hours.
Symptoms of lymphopenia in dogs
Lymphopenia in dogs itself does not have specific symptoms, as it is associated with various causes. However, low immunity facilitates infection by various contagious agents, leaving the animal vulnerable and manifesting the symptoms of the infection in question, such as respiratory and digestive problems, malnutrition, lack of appetite, fever, etc. In addition, low lymphocytes in dogs translate into a general decay of the animal, so it is normal for it to appear tired, apathetic and without energy.
How to treat lymphopenia in dogs?
To treat lymphopenia in dogs it will be necessary to find the reason that caused it. That is, you must diagnose the underlying disease causing the blood cell disorder, since there is no general treatment for all cases. To do this, the dog must be consulted by a veterinarian, since only he can request tests and close the diagnosis, determining the best treatment for the animal.
How to increase the dog's immunity?
In some situations, it is desirable to boost the animal's immune response, such as increasing resistance to infections and treating immunosuppressive or infectious diseases of multifactorial origin. To do this, immunomodulators are used, which are substances that act on the immune system, increasing the organic response against certain microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. The origin of immunomodulators is very varied and can include pharmacological substances, microbial products and medicinal plants, so it is preferable to consult with the veterinarian.
In addition to immunomodulators, a balanced and good quality diet is a very important factor to maintain and also increase immunity in the dog. The nutrition of dogs and cats has behaved in a similar way to human nutrition, observed through the increasing incorporation of functional ingredients in food. Find out what dogs eat in this other article.
Nutritional management is also an important tool to help treat various pathologies through the inclusion of nutraceuticals (food supplements containing bioactive compounds beneficial to the organism) in the diet of animals. Immunomodulation through diet occurs in two ways: the first seeks dietary components that act directly on pathogens or the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, and the second exerts indirect effects on the pathogens of the microbiota by targeting the cells gut and/or host immune cells. Nutraceutical substances are antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), flavonoids, vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, L-carnitine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, minerals and dietary fiber.
In the diet of dogs and cats, nutraceutical supplements are recommended with the aim of promoting the he alth of the digestive tract, the immune response, the condition of the skin and coat, body composition and the prevention of damage caused by aging, in addition to helping in the organic functions of sick animals. Dogs that are poorly fed and that go through stressful situations, such as cold and hunger, may have a decrease in the body's defenses, being subject to diseases. For this reason, another way to increase lymphocytes in dogs is to guarantee that they live in a calm and stress-free environment In this other post we share more Tips for strengthen the immune system in dogs.
Now that you know what lymphopenia in dogs is and have discovered its causes and treatment, we recommend you read the article How to interpret a dog's blood test.
