A first case of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in Croatia - a case report

Abstract

We report on the first confirmed case of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in Croatia. Physical examination of a diseased mare at admission revealed depression, ataxia, high fever, pale mucous membranes and limb edema. A hematology profile showed mild anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, with no blood parasites or inclusions visual in the blood smear, while PCR detected specific DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. the mare was treated with oxytetracycline for seven consecutive days, which resulted in a rapid recovery. Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis is a “newly” recognized disease in southeastern Europe, and should be considered as a major differential diagnosis in similar cases.