Vestibular Signs in a Siberian Husky Dog with Chronic Ehrlichia Canis Infection - A Case Report

Abstract

Canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a significant tick-borne disease among canines, particularly in the tropical regions and urban areas of India. CME affected dog with neurologic signs and Evans’ syndrome is a rare finding. A two-year-old intact Siberian Husky female presented with a history of epistaxis, head tilt, pyrexia, and anorexia for the past two days. Clinical examination revealed pale conjunctival mucous membrane, bleeding tendencies, splenomegaly, nystagmus and vestibular ataxia. A haemogram showed pancytopenia, while smear examination revealed spherocytes. Further confirmation was obtained through flow cytometry, which revealed 22.64% of anti IgG antibodies against RBC and 27.51% to platelets, confirming Evans syndrome. Bone marrow aspiration and cytology showed a myeloid to erythroid ratio of 3:1, with erythroid hypoplasia. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of E. canis 16 sRNA in blood, bone marrow, and cerebrospinal fluid. The vestibular ataxia with head tilt and nystagmus might be attributed to meningoencephalitis or ischemic brain infarction in Evan's syndrome cases. The animal was treated with doxycycline, prednisolone, and meclizine for over a month, and an uneventful recovery was observed. In conclusion, this case of Ehrlichiosis in a dog presented with vestibular signs and Evans syndrome, responding well to doxycycline, prednisolone, and meclizine therapy.