Acute granulocytic ehrlichiosis in a rottweiler.

Abstract

Acute granulocytic ehrlichiosis was identified in a 6-year-old rottweiler that was presented for possible pancreatitis. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were identified within neutrophils on a peripheral blood smear. Serology was ineffective in identifying the disease in the acute state. The diagnosis and identification of the organism were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing. Based on elevations in amylase and lipase and the presence of right cranial-quadrant abdominal pain, concurrent pancreatitis was diagnosed. It is unknown if there was any association between the acute granulocytic ehrlichiosis and the pancreatitis. The dog recovered well following doxycycline therapy.