Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ehrlichia canis infection linked to blood problems in dogs
By Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula et al.·Published in Ciência Rural·2021·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Seroprevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with Ehrlichia canis in dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in central-western Brazil
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in Central-western Brazil were tested for a tick-borne disease called Ehrlichia canis, and over half of them (59.1%) showed signs of exposure. Many of these dogs also had blood issues, such as anemia (low red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and leukopenia (low white blood cells). The study highlights the importance of tick control for dog owners in the area to help prevent these health problems. Regular tick prevention can significantly reduce the risk of dogs getting sick from this disease.
People also search for: dog ticks prevention · Ehrlichia canis symptoms in dogs · dog anemia treatment
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Ticks are significant parasites of dogs in the tropics, where tick-borne pathogens are highly prevalent, especially in areas where tick control measures are frequently neglected. This study investigated the seroprevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with Ehrlichia canis in dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Central-western Brazil. Out of 264 dogs tested for anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), 59.1% (156/264) were positive. Seropositivity was significantly associated to anemia and thrombocytopenia, alone or in combination, and to leukopenia. Conversely, there were no differences in terms of seroprevalence according to sex, breed and age. This study demonstrated that dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Central-western Brazil are highly exposed to E. canis and that seropositive dogs are more likely to present hematological abnormalities, particularly anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. To our knowledge, this is the first study on detection of anti-E. canis antibodies by means of IFA among dogs in the state of Goiás. These findings highlighted the need for increasing awareness among dog owners regarding tick control measures in Central-western Brazil, ultimately to reduce the risk of exposure to E. canis and other tick-borne pathogens.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20201131