Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vector-borne infections and blood tests in Spanish greyhounds
By Martínez-Durán, David et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2026·Animal Pathology Department, Spain·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Vector-borne pathogens in Spanish greyhounds from Central Spain: Prevalence and hematobiochemical findings.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Spanish greyhounds from central Spain were tested for common diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes. About 10% had antibodies for Anaplasma, 3.1% for Ehrlichia, and 13.1% for Leishmania, while none tested positive for heartworm. Younger dogs were more likely to have Ehrlichia, and those with infections showed changes in their blood counts, indicating potential health issues. Regular testing and monitoring are important for these dogs, especially since they often spend time outdoors where they can be exposed to these diseases.
People also search for: Spanish greyhound tick diseases · dog blood test results explained · symptoms of Leishmania in dogs
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are receiving increasing attention in public health, veterinary medicine, and epidemiological research. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of four major canine vector-borne pathogens in Spanish greyhounds, a breed reported to possess distinctive hematological and biochemical profiles. Serum samples from 160 dogs, originating from central Spain, were evaluated for antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and Leishmania infantum using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and for circulating Dirofilaria immitis antigens using ELISA. Comprehensive hematological and serum biochemical analyses were also performed. The overall seroprevalence rates were 10% for A. phagocytophilum, 3.1% for E. canis, 13.1% for L. infantum and 0% for D. immitis. A statistically significant association was identified between age and E. canis seropositivity, with higher rates observed in juvenile dogs, whereas L. infantum demonstrated a non-significant trend toward higher prevalence in adults. Seropositive dogs showed notable alterations in hematological and biochemical parameter, including thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis/lymphopenia, anemia, and variations in platelet indices. These findings highlight the epidemiological relevance of serological screening and detailed clinical monitoring particularly given the breed's frequent involvement in hunting and prolonged exposure to outdoor environments conducive to vector transmission.
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/41741046/