Low platelet count, high WBC, and staph infection of skin

[aggierodeo08]

Was wanting to know if  these CBC results could be expected with a mild staph infection of the skin or could it be indicative of another problem.  Dog has been more lethargic lately, less appetant, and diarrhea began the night before CBC was run, but does not behave ill otherwise.  Owner attributed the decrease in appetite and lack of eneergy to heat, but was now more concerned with the unexpected abnormalities in the CBC results.  

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

Thank you for the additional info, sounds like you are on the right track, I would make sure the platelets are not clumped, causing a falsely low reading; good luck with your dog!
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD

[aggierodeo08]

Thank you for the reply.  And I am the owner, I'm just a vet-tech.  We did just get new equipment (IDEXX vetlyte, lasercyte and then we've had the vet test machine) and the only reason blood work was run on the dog was because we needed a guinea pig so the IDEXX rep could show us how to use it.  The vet I work for wasn't too concerened until I noticed the skin infection which we just treated (and cleared up) in early June.  So we re-ran the CBC and the WBC, baso and neutro counts were still elevated and the platelet count within the normal range, but on the low side (around 110 I believe, I left the report at work).  We also checked his electrolytes and the pH was slightly elevated, but not much, and ran a general health panel which returned all normal values.  A 3dx snap test was negative for e. canis, lyme and heartworms and the fecal was also negative.  I posted on here because I just wanted to know if my concerns were valid, which my boss assured me they were and told me pretty much the exact same thing you did.  I guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overreacting before I took my dog up to work to be checked out.  
Thanks again for the reply!
Lindsey

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

No, a mild staph infection would not be expected to cause a high white cell count or low plately count (nor a basophilia). I have seen high white cell counts in dogs with severe long standing deep pyoderma or severe demodex. I would suspect stress or systemic illness as the cause for the elevated white cell count, and with the elevated basos, a fecal exam for parasites and heartworm check are indicated. The low platelet count is a concern, and could indicate tick borne disease, or ITP, HOWEVER--if this CBC was run in house, I highly recommend rechecking it with a reference lab such as TAMU, Antech or IDEXX before jumping to any conclusions at all, I have found that the in house machines have issues with accuracy. You have an excellent vet teaching hospital in your town, please don't hestitate to call them and benefit from their knowledge as well, this forum is designed more for pet owners to ask questions about their pets.
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD