Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Detecting Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs using blood and spleen
By Faria, Joice Lara Maia et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2010·Medicina Veteriná·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Ehrlichia canis morulae and DNA detection in whole blood and spleen aspiration samples.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 40 dogs with low platelet counts and symptoms of illness were tested for a tick-borne disease called canine ehrlichiosis. The tests showed that 35 of these dogs had specific bacteria (morulae) in their spleen, while 29 had the bacteria's DNA in their blood. The study found that examining spleen samples was better for spotting the bacteria, but both blood and spleen tests were effective for diagnosing the disease. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and many dogs can recover well with prompt care.
People also search for: dog low platelet count symptoms · canine ehrlichiosis treatment · dog blood test for ehrlichiosis
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the detection of Ehrlichia canis morulae and DNA by nPCR in whole blood and spleen aspiration. The sample included 40 dogs showing thrombocytopenia associated to clinical signs suggestive of canine ehrlichiosis. Morulae detection showed that in 35 of the dogs studied, 17 had morulae in spleen tissue, and two in buffy coat smears. E. canis DNA was detected in 29/40 blood samples. We verified that morulae detection is more efficient in cytological preparations from spleen aspiration. On the other hand, nPCR on spleen and blood samples were equally efficient for disease diagnosis.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20624346/