Immune-mediated neutropenia suspected in five dogs.

Abstract

Five cases of suspected immune-mediated neutropenia in dogs are described. Clinical signs varied depending on whether the animals had a systemic infection or concurrent immune-mediated disease. Patients were diagnosed by excluding other causes of neutropenia, supportive bone marrow aspirate findings, an initial favourable response to corticosteroid administration in four of the cases, and concurrent immune-mediated disease. Four of the dogs were receiving medications at the time of diagnosis, and immune-mediated neutropenia secondary to drug therapy cannot be excluded. This study shows that appropriate immunosuppressive treatment can lead to a favourable outcome, however, care is required to avoid adverse effects associated with corticosteroid use. It is also imperative that medications are not withdrawn abruptly as a second remission may not always be achievable.