Concurrent Infection of Theileriosis and Coccidiosis in a Crossbred Cattle: A Case Report

Abstract

A six-year-old non pregnant crossbred cow was presented with a history of high fever (105 °F), severe tick infestation, selective feeding, weakness, straining during defecation and drastic reduction in milk production. Clinical examination revealed a body condition score (BCS) of 3.0, pale mucous membranes, normal rectal temperature, impacted rumen and nothing abnormal detected on per rectal examination. Tentative diagnoses included theileriosis, ketosis and parasitic infestation. Hematological analysis revealed severe anemia (Hb: 3.3 g/dl) with microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smear showed typical signet ring-shaped intraerythrocytic piroplasm of Theileria annulata. Urine sample was negative for presence of ketone bodies. Fecal examination demonstrated the presence of coccidian oocysts. The case was diagnosed to be of concurrent theileriosis and coccidiosis. Therapy was initiated with oxytetracycline (10 mg/kg body weight, intravenously) along with sulfadiazine trimethoprim @ 30 mg/kg body weight, intramuscularly, once daily for 5 days for coccidiosis and other supportive treatment was given, while buparvaquone was withheld initially due to risk of oxidative stress in severely anemic animals. By day 10, hemoglobin increased to 4.9 g/dl, no parasitic ova seen on fecal examination and buparvaquone (2.5 mg/kg body weight, intramuscularly, single dose) was administered with supportive therapy. By day 21, blood smear were negative for Theileria piroplasms, with hemoglobin improving to 5.2 g/dl. Clinical recovery was evident, with improved appetite, activity, and gradual weight gain. This case emphasizes the importance of considering concurrent parasitic infections in cattle, as timely diagnosis and sequential therapeutic interventions significantly enhance prognosis and recovery.