Successful Therapeutic Management of Two Critical Cases of Canine  Monocytic Ehrlichiosis

B. R.  Jena; P. Samal; S. K. Panda; R. C. Patra

doi:10.5455/ijlr.20191220053011

Authors

B. R. Jena Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, INDIA
P. Samal Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, INDIA
S. K. Panda Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, INDIA
R. C. Patra Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, INDIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/ijlr.20191220053011

Keywords:

Anemia, Doxycycline, Ehrlichia, Thrombocytopenia, Whole Blood Transfusion

Abstract

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis(CME) is a fatal tick borne disease caused by Ehrlichia canis, transmitted
by the tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Epistaxis, petechial hemorrhage, hematuria, fever,
thrombocytopenia and anemia are some important clinico-pathological findings of this disease. Two dogs
(one Labrador and another German Shepherd) were presented to TVCC with above mentioned clinical
symptoms. Examination of blood parameters revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia. Morulae bodies were
found within the monocytes in blood impression smear of labrador dog. Both the dogs were positive for E.
canis by a SNAP 4Dx Plus Test Kit, which confirmed the case as CME. Whole blood transfusion was carried
out in Labrador dog. Both the animals were treated with doxycycline@5mg/kg, b.i.d. along with other
supportive medications. After a month of treatment, the animals showed an uneventful recovery. Thus,
doxycycline therapy, whole blood transfusion along with other supportive were found useful in the
management of critical cases of CME.