Cold agglutinin in dogs is a rare type II autoimmune disease. As the condition’s name suggests, dogs who reside in colder climates are most likely to be afflicted it.
“Agglutinin” is the term for certain antibodies that cause antigens, like red blood cells and bacteria, to stick to each other. The condition causes this to especially happen in cold weather. It’s a serious condition that requires a veterinarian’s attention as soon as possible.
If you see signs that your dog might be suffering from this condition, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of cold agglutinin in dogs.
Symptoms Of Cold Agglutinin In Dogs
Cold agglutinin in dogs can result in a number of common symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- General weakness
- Skin turning red (known as erythema)
- Skin turning blue (known as acrocyanosis)
- Developing anemia
- Increased rate of breathing
- Ulcers forming on the skin
Causes Of Cold Agglutinin In Dogs
Cold agglutinin is usually considered to be an idiopathic disease, which means there is no definitive known cause of the condition.
In some cases, veterinarians diagnose it as a secondary condition of an issue involving lead poisoning, infections of the upper respiratory tract, and neoplasia.
In many cases, exposure to colder weather can amplify the condition.
Treatments For Cold Agglutinin In Dogs
If you bring your dog to your veterinarian for a suspected case of cold agglutinin, your vet will carry out a full physical examination and also ask about recent events that may have prompted or worsened the condition.
The vet will pay particular attention to the condition of the dog’s skin as they look for any visible signs. In some cases, vets might need to take skin samples for further analysis to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment often focuses on housing the dog in a warm place to aid recovery. If parts of the dog’s extremities have suffered harsh effects, the vet may suggest amputation.
While recovering your dog is recovering at home, it is vital that you can provide them with a warm and relaxed environment. Any outdoors trips should involve equipping your dog with a cosy sweater and protection for their paws.
Has your dog ever suffered from cold agglutinin? Do you take special care to keep your dog warm and help them recover? Then tell us all about it in the comments below.
