Successful therapeutic management of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in German shepherd dog

Abstract

Canine ehrlichiosis is tick-borne haemoparasitic disease of dog caused by Ehrlichia canis. It is a most prevalent pathogens affecting the dogs in India and also posing zoonotic risk to the public health implications. The present case report discusses the successful clinical management of a 3.5-year-old male German Shepherd dog presented to the Veterinary hospital, Chopan, Sonbhadra, UP with fever, anorexia, vomiting, epistaxis, melena, and generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy. Clinical examination showed pale conjunctiva, bleeding from both nostrils and enlarged popliteal lymph node. Haematological examination revealed severe thrombocytopenia, marked anaemia, leukocytosis, and lymphocytosis. Peripheral blood smear examination demonstrated the presence of Ehrlichia canis morulae within monocytes, confirming a case of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). Biochemical analysis showed marked elevation of hepatic enzymes (ALT and AST). The dog was treated with doxycycline for 30 days along with supportive therapy of hemostatic, hepatoprotective agents, antiemetics, hematinics, immunomodulators, and gastric protectants. Treated dog exhibited complete clinical recovery after 15 days of treatment and no parasitemia was observed on blood smear examination.