I don’t need to say how devastating it was when I met Scott, this 9 years old Maltese.

He had been diagnosed with Canine Erlichiosis years ago and had being treated for that ever since. Erlichiosis is blood parasite transmitted by ticks (Brown Dog tick and Lone Star tick) that carry the parasite Erlichia sp and can be pretty harsh on dog’s general health.  If it’s not properly treated it can evolve to a chronic disease, which what happened to Scott. He was severely debilitated and affected by this parasite showing symptoms of: anemia, fever, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint pain and stiffness, and bruises. His platelet count was so low that was hard to believe he was still alive. His bone marrow was not producing sufficient white cells anymore and he was suffering from many other conditions because he didn’t have enough cells to fight any potential infection anymore.

I know it’s very frustrating and sad to know that we can’t cure everything and that are some diseases that will, in the end, win the final fight, but the fact we can offer a better life for a while, or a better end, it is very important and has to be considered. It may sound a bit awkward but there are many ways to finish your life and if we can offer comfort and quality, it’s an amazing and great thing to do to who we love and is important to us.

OBS: The blood parasite Ehrlichia canis has been suspected to exist clinically in northern Australia, but its presence has yet to be confirmed. Apparently the host and environmental conditions are favourable for its occurrence in northern Australia but at present it is regarded as a potential exotic disease. The disease caused by Ehrlichia canis is known as Tropical Canine Pancytopaenia or Canine Ehrlichiosis.