Rotten Leg, High Fever, No Care – Meet Casey
On the way to the rescue house, I saw a dog dragging a badly injured leg across the road. I had visitors waiting at the house, so I quickly checked who´s house she belongs to and then went first to the Rescue House. After I was done , I went back to check. She was hiding in a dark corner at that local house. The leg looked even worse up close. Bone exposed, tissue rotting. I asked who she belonged to and took her straight to the clinic. Her name is Casey.
First assessment at the clinic
The vet confirmed what was already obvious — the right hind leg can’t be saved. The damage is too severe. Amputation will be needed, but not right away. First, she needs to be stabilized.
She also had discharge from her eyes, so they tested for distemper. The result came back negative. She had a high fever (40.6°C) and was covered in ticks. On top of that, there was a heavy discharge from her vagina, and the vet suspects pyometra — a uterine infection that can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Blood results and what they mean
We ran a full blood panel to get a better understanding of her condition. Here are the results:
| Parameter | Result | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| WBC (White Blood Cells) | 27.62 × 10⁹/L | 6.00–17.00 |
| NEU (Neutrophils) | 24.44 × 10⁹/L | 3.00–12.00 |
| NEU % | 88.5% | 60–77% |
| RBC (Red Blood Cells) | 4.04 × 10¹²/L | 5.50–8.50 |
| HGB (Hemoglobin) | 6.3 g/dL | 12.0–18.0 |
| HCT (Hematocrit) | 22.34% | 37.0–55.0 |
| PLT (Platelets) | 12 × 10⁹/L | 165–500 |
| MCHC | 28.3 g/dL | 31.0–39.0 |
| RDWc | 19.9% | 14.0–20.0 |
In short:
White blood cells and neutrophils are very high, which confirms a strong ongoing infection — likely from both the leg wound and the uterus.
Red blood values are low — she’s clearly anemic, most likely due to tick-borne disease.
Platelets are critically low, which increases the risk of bleeding and makes surgery unsafe right now.
RDW is elevated, meaning her body is trying to regenerate red blood cells, but not efficiently.
MCHC is also low, another typical sign of anemia.
What we’re doing now
Here’s the treatment plan the vet started right away:
Antibiotics for general infection
Antibiotics for suspected blood parasite
PCR test to identify the exact parasite (results expected within 24h)
Iron supplements
IV fluids for rehydration
Tick and deworming treatment
Daily wound care until she’s strong enough for surgery
How she’s doing
She’s been mostly quiet, but responsive. This morning she ate some chicken, drank well, peed — no poop yet, but the fever is gone. The bandage will be changed again this afternoon.
We’ve gone ahead with the PCR test to confirm which parasite we’re dealing with so we can treat it more precisely.
For now, she’s safe and getting the care she needs.
Want to help?
If you’d like to support Casey’s treatment or upcoming surgery, feel free to donate or share her story.
Update: June 23rd 2025
PCR Results: Ehrlichia Detected
We received the PCR results, and Casey tested positive for Ehrlichia spp. with a Ct value of 31.03. All other pathogens (Babesia, Mycoplasma, Anaplasma, Borrelia) were negative.
What is Ehrlichia?
Ehrlichia is a tick-borne blood parasite that infects white blood cells and can cause serious health issues if left untreated. It often leads to:
Anemia (low red blood cells)
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets, which we’ve already seen in Casey)
Lethargy, fever, and weight loss
Organ damage in later stages
The infection matches her blood results and symptoms — low red cells, low platelets, and high white blood cells all point to ehrlichiosis as a major underlying cause.
Treatment has already started and includes targeted antibiotics (usually doxycycline) and supportive care like fluids, iron supplements, and parasite control. Now that we know exactly what we’re dealing with, the vet can adjust the medication plan accordingly.
We received an update from the clinic yesterday.
Casey had a fever during the night, but after receiving her daily anti-inflammatory medication, her temperature returned to normal and has remained stable. Her latest blood test shows that white blood cells are still high, indicating her body is actively fighting the infections in her leg and uterus.
There is some progress: her anemia is improving, with her red blood cell percentage now at 20% (previously 22.34%, normal is around 37–55%). Her platelet count has also increased slightly but remains far below the safe range for surgery.
Since surgery with these values would still be very risky, the vet recommends waiting a bit longer to make the amputation safer for Casey.
She is eating, receiving her daily medications and IV fluids, and her bandages are changed regularly. She is safe and receiving the care she needs while we continue working to get her strong enough for surgery.
Understanding Casey’s Blood Values
For those without a medical background, here is what these values mean and why surgery is postponed for now:
Full Blood Panel
| Parameter | Result | Normal Range | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBC (White Blood Cells) | 28.21 × 10⁹/L | 6.00–17.00 | High, indicates severe infection (leg and uterus). |
| LYM (Lymphocytes) | 2.49 × 10⁹/L | 1.00–4.80 | Normal, part of the immune system. |
| MON (Monocytes) | 0.84 × 10⁹/L | 0.20–1.30 | Normal, helps fight infection. |
| NEU (Neutrophils) | 24.61 × 10⁹/L | 3.00–12.00 | High, reflects active infection response. |
| EOS (Eosinophils) | 0.18 × 10⁹/L | 0.00–1.50 | Normal, linked to parasites/allergies. |
| BAS (Basophils) | 0.09 × 10⁹/L | 0.00–0.10 | Normal. |
| LYM% | 8.8% | 12.0–30.0 | Low, indicating infection dominance. |
| MON% | 3.0% | 3.0–10.0 | Normal. |
| NEU% | 87.3% | 60.0–77.0 | High, reflects infection stress. |
| EOS% | 0.7% | 2.0–10.0 | Low, not a concern here. |
| BAS% | 0.2% | 0.0–1.0 | Normal. |
| RBC (Red Blood Cells) | 3.47 × 10¹²/L | 5.50–8.50 | Low, indicating anemia. |
| HGB (Hemoglobin) | 5.4 g/dL | 12.0–18.0 | Low, linked to anemia. |
| HCT (Hematocrit) | 20.0% | 37.0–55.0 | Low, indicating anemia. |
| MCV (Mean Cell Volume) | 57.8 fL | 60.0–77.0 | Slightly low, linked to anemia. |
| MCH (Mean Cell Hemoglobin) | 15.6 pg | 19.5–24.5 | Low, linked to anemia. |
| MCHC (Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration) | 27.0 g/dL | 31.0–39.0 | Low, typical in anemia. |
| RDWc (Red Cell Distribution Width) | 28.5% | 14.0–20.0 | High, shows the body is trying to produce new red blood cells. |
| PLT (Platelets) | 75 × 10⁹/L | 165–500 | Very low, increases bleeding risk during surgery. |
| MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) | 11.0 fL | 8.0–12.0 | Normal. |
| PCT (Plateletcrit) | 0.08% | 0.12–0.36 | Low, consistent with low platelets. |
| PDW (Platelet Distribution Width) | 49.9% | 40.0–60.0 | Normal. |
Why waiting is necessary
White blood cells are high because her body is fighting severe infections in her leg and uterus. The red blood cells and hemoglobin, which carry oxygen in the body, are low, indicating anemia. This makes Casey weak and makes surgery risky. Her platelet count, which helps the blood to clot, is also too low, creating a high risk of severe bleeding if surgery is performed now.
Waiting allows her body to stabilize, reduces surgical risk, and increases her chances of recovery after the amputation.
Casey continues to receive daily care, medications, and supportive treatment to prepare her for surgery when it is safe. She is showing strength and will continue to be monitored closely.
If you wish to support Casey’s treatment and future surgery, any donations are appreciated, and sharing her story also helps.
Update: July 2nd 2025
This morning we received Casey’s third CBC (complete blood count) as she prepares for her amputation surgery. She is bright, stable, walking around the dog ward, and eating well. Her infection management and overall healing continue to improve.
Below is a clear table summarizing each blood value, its current result, reference ranges, and what it means for her healing:
| Parameter | Casey’s Value | Reference Range | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBC (White Blood Cells) | 29.78 | 6.00 – 17.00 | Elevated, indicating ongoing infection/inflammation but expected during healing. |
| LYM (Lymphocytes) | 4.86 | 1.00 – 5.00 | Normal, showing immune response is present and balanced. |
| MON (Monocytes) | 1.11 | 0.20 – 1.40 | Normal, supports infection response. |
| NEU (Neutrophils) | 23.40 | 3.00 – 11.50 | Elevated, showing active infection management. |
| EOS (Eosinophils) | 0.31 | 0.10 – 1.49 | Normal, no allergic reaction concerns. |
| BAS (Basophils) | 0.00 | 0.00 – 0.10 | Normal. |
| RBC (Red Blood Cells) | 4.38 | 5.50 – 8.50 | Low, indicating mild anemia. Improving from previous tests. |
| HGB (Hemoglobin) | 6.5 | 12.0 – 18.0 | Low, reflecting anemia but improved. |
| HCT (Hematocrit) | 25.6 | 37.0 – 55.0 | Low, confirming mild anemia. |
| MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) | 58.4 | 60.0 – 77.0 | Slightly low, consistent with anemia. |
| MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) | 14.9 | 19.5 – 24.5 | Low, consistent with anemia. |
| MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) | 25.5 | 31.0 – 36.0 | Low, consistent with anemia. |
| RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) | 46.1 | 14.0 – 20.0 | High, indicates the body is producing new red blood cells during recovery. |
| PLT (Platelets) | 274 | 165 – 500 | Normal, good clotting capability for surgery. |
| MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) | 11.6 | 3.9 – 11.1 | Slightly high, may indicate active platelet production. |
| PCT (Plateletcrit) | 0.32 | N/A | Within normal expectations. |
| PDWc (Platelet Distribution Width) | 43.9 | N/A | Informative for platelet variation; no concern. |
| PrVW / PrVR / PrVE | 334/337 / 321/323 / 272/277 | N/A | For advanced vet interpretation, no immediate concern noted. |
What This Means for Casey
Infection Management: Her white blood cell count is still high, but we are seeing an improving trend alongside her antibiotic treatment.
Anemia: She remains mildly anemic, but parameters are better than before, showing her body is working to heal.
Clotting & Healing: Platelets are within a good range, giving us confidence in surgical readiness.
Surgery Plan Update We are planning Casey’s amputation for tomorrow. After discussing with the vet, we decided it is best to cut without leaving the femur to allow the cleanest possible healing and to prepare her well for a future prosthetic if she needs one.
Casey remains bright, stable, and is showing us how strong and adaptable she is during this process. We will continue to update you as she goes through surgery and enters the next stage of her healing journey.