Case Reports:  Diagnosis and Treatment of Ehrlichiosis in Dog

Guntari Titik Mulyani; Dwi Priyo Widodo

doi:10.22146/ijvs.v4i2.105418

Case Reports: Diagnosis and Treatment of Ehrlichiosis in Dog

https://doi.org/10.22146/ijvs.v4i2.105418

Guntari Titik Mulyani^(1*), Dwi Priyo Widodo⁽²⁾

(1) ID Scopus: 57189466186, ID Sinta: 6023009, Faculty. of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta
(2) Universitas Gadjah Mada
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

A 6 months old mixed breed weighing 5 kg presented with reluctance to eat and limping. The dog cohabits with two other dogs and two cats. Prior to falling ill, the dog suffered from flea infestations, which were treated two weeks before the onset of symptoms. Clinical examination revealed lethargy, mild dehydration, and pale pink mucous membranes. Blood tests indicated decreased hemoglobin and red blood cell count, along the presence of Ehrlichia canis morulae in leukocytes. Ehrlichia canis is a bacterium that multiplies within vacuoles in the cytoplasm of monocytes and tissue macrophages. The diagnosis led to suspicion of Ehrlichiosis. Treatment comprised NaCl infusion, dextrose injection, Adenosine Triphosphat, and hematopoetic vitamin to address dehydration and anemia. Analgesics antipyretics, and antiemetics were administered to alleviated fever and vomiting. Additionally, ferrous gluconate was given to manage anemia. After three days post-treatment, the dog showed improved appetite, normal temperature, and was deemed suitable for outpatient care.

Full Text:

PDF

References

Aziz, M.U., Hussain, S., Song, B., Ghauri, H.N., Zeb, J., and Sparagona, O.A. (2023). Ehrlichiosis in Dogs : A Comprehensive Review about the Pathogen and Its Vectors with Emphasis on South and East Asian Countries. Vet Sci; 10 (21): 1-17.

de Aguiar, D.M., Rodrigues, F.P., Ribeiro, M.G., Santos, B.D., Muraro, L.S., Taques, I.I.G.G., Campos, A.N.S., Dutra, V., Nakazato, L., da Costa Vieira, R.F., and Takahira, R.K. (2020). Uncommon Ehrlichia canis infection associated with morulae in neutrophils from naturally infected dogs in Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis ; 67(2): 135 – 141.

Dhankar, S., Sharma, R.D., and Jindal, N. (2011). Some Epidemiological Observations on Canine Ehrlichiosis in Haryana and Delhi States. Haryana Veterinarian; 50: 9-14.

Diniz, P.P.V., de Aguiar, D.M. (2022) Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis: An Update. Vet Clin Small Anim ; 52 (6): 1225-1266.

Erawan, I.G.M.K., Duarsa, B.S.A., Suartha, I.N. (2018). Case Report: Anaplasmosis in Pomeranian Dogs, Indo Medic Vet; 7 (6) : 737-742.

Ettinger, S.J., Feldman, E.C. 2005.Obligate Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens, in Ettinger's Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 4th ed, Netherlands, Elsevier; 631-363.

Gal, A., Loeb, E., Yisaschar-Mekuzas, Y., and Baneth, G. (2008). Detection of Ehrlichia canis by PCR in different tissues obtained during necropsy from dogs surveyed for naturally occuring canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Vet J; 175(2): 212-217.

Hess, P.R., English, R.V., Hegarty, B.C., Brown, G.D., and Breitschwerdt, E.B. (2006). Experimental Ehrlichia canis infection in the dog does not cause immunosuppression. Vet Immunol Immunopathol; 109(1-2) : 117-125.

Kottadamane, M.R., Dhaliwal ,P.S., Singla, L.D., Bansal, B.K. and Uppal, S.K. (2017). Clinical and hematobiochemical response in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis seropositive dogs of Punjab. Vet World; 10 (2) : 255-261.

Mylonakis, M.E., Harrus, S., and Breitschwerdt, E.B. (2009). An update on the treatment of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis). Vet J; 246 : 45-33.

Ramakant, R., Kumar, V., Verma, H.C., and Diwakar, R.P. (2020).. Canine ehrlichiosis : A review. J Entomol Zool Stud; 8 (2) : 1849-1852.

Riviere, J.E., and Spoo, J.W. (2001). Tetracycline antibiotics. J Vet Pharmacol Ther: 828-840.

Roopali, B., Kasaralikar, V.R., Patil, N., and Ravindra, B. (2018). Clinico, haemato-biochemical changes and therapeutic management of canine ehrlichiosis. Pharma Innovation; 7 (9) : 1-6.

Suartha, I.N., Pradnyantari, A.A.S.I., Erawan, I.G.M.K., Mahardika, I.G.N.K. (2023). Clinical Observations, Hematological Profile, Serological Testing, and Molecular Detection of Ehrlichia canis in Veterinary Clinics in Bali, Indonesia. Int J Vet Sci; 12(1) :18-23.

Utomo, B.G.R., Suartha, I.N., and Putriningsih, P.A.S. (2024). Treatment of Infection of Ehrlichia sp. In A Mix Breed Dog. Vet Sci Med; 6(1) : 43 – 52.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ijvs.v4i2.105418