Bonnie – Medical Update and Blood Test Results
Bonnie was rescued just one day ago and brought to the clinic immediately due to his very weak condition.
Today we received his first blood test results. Unfortunately, they confirm what we already suspected clinically: Bonnie is suffering from severe anemia, most likely caused by massive tick infestation and possible blood parasites.
Below you can find a clear overview of the most important blood values, along with short explanations to help understand what each value means.
Hematology Results Overview
Red Blood Cells and Oxygen Transport
| Parameter | Result | Reference Range | What this means |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC (Red Blood Cells) | 1.88 M/µL | 5.65 – 8.87 M/µL | Red blood cells transport oxygen through the body. A very low RBC means the body cannot carry enough oxygen to organs and tissues. |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | 13.2 % | 37.3 – 61.7 % | Hematocrit shows how much of the blood consists of red blood cells. This extremely low value confirms severe anemia. |
| Hemoglobin (HGB) | 5.0 g/dL | 13.1 – 20.5 g/dL | Hemoglobin is the oxygen-binding protein in red blood cells. Low hemoglobin means oxygen delivery is critically reduced. |
| MCV | 70.0 fL | 61.6 – 73.5 fL | MCV describes the size of red blood cells. This value is within normal range, meaning the anemia is not due to small or malformed cells. |
| MCH / MCHC | Elevated | Normal range | These values reflect hemoglobin concentration inside red blood cells. Elevation can occur in severe anemia and dehydration. |
| Reticulocytes | 250.5 K/µL | 10 – 110 K/µL | Reticulocytes are young red blood cells. This high value shows Bonnie’s body is actively trying to produce new blood. |
White Blood Cells and Immune Response
| Parameter | Result | Reference Range | What this means |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBC (White Blood Cells) | 5.81 K/µL | 5.05 – 16.76 K/µL | White blood cells are responsible for fighting infections. Total count is within range. |
| Neutrophils | 4.84 K/µL | 2.95 – 11.64 K/µL | Neutrophils fight bacterial infections. Normal level. |
| Lymphocytes | 0.32 K/µL | 1.05 – 5.10 K/µL | Low lymphocytes often indicate stress, infection, or severe systemic illness. |
| Monocytes / Eosinophils | Within range | These cells support immune and inflammatory responses and are currently not the main concern. |
Platelets and Clotting
| Parameter | Result | Reference Range | What this means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platelets (PLT) | 83 K/µL | 148 – 484 K/µL | Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Low platelets increase bleeding risk and are commonly seen with blood parasite infections. |
| MPV | 13.7 fL | 8.7 – 13.2 fL | Larger platelets suggest the body is trying to compensate by producing new platelets quickly. |
What Caused This Condition
Bonnie’s body was completely covered in ticks when he was rescued.
Many ticks have already died after Simparica treatment, but before that they had been feeding on his blood.
Heavy tick infestation can cause:
Significant blood loss
Severe anemia
Transmission of blood parasites that destroy red blood cells and platelets
This explains both the critical anemia and the low platelet count.
Current Treatment Plan
Bonnie is currently hospitalized and under close observation.
His treatment includes:
IV fluids to stabilize circulation
Hematopoietic injections to support blood production
Antibiotic injections targeting common blood parasites
Daily monitoring of hematocrit (HCT) to track response to treatment
The veterinary team was very honest:
Bonnie’s anemia is very severe, and the next days are crucial. Everything now depends on how his body responds to the medication and supportive care.
Current Status
Bonnie is stable for now, but still weak.
He is fighting, and his body is trying to regenerate blood, which is a positive sign. However, this remains a serious and critical case.
We will continue to share updates as soon as we know more.
Thank you for caring about Bonnie 