CANINE EHRLICHIOSIS

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Causative Agent(s)

Canine Ehrlichiosis is a disease of Canidae caused by rickettsia organism. Ehrlichia canis is the most common rickettsia specie but other strains have been implicated. It is transmitted by ticks especially Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Ehrlichia. canis, E. chaffensis and E. ewingii have been implicated in human Ehrlichiosis. However, the zoonotic role of dogs as reservoir for human infection has not been clearly established for any Ehrlichia species.

Clinical signs seen in acute phase include fever, lymphadenopathy, respiratory distress, bleeding episodes, while in chronic phase; haemorrhage in the eye, blindness, lameness, thrombocytopenia, leucopoenia, anaemia. Persistent bone marrow depression, neurological disturbance and emaciation may be present.

Diagnostic Considerations

Diagnosis is by clinical and haematological features, detection of E. canis in mononuclear cells in Giemsa-stained smears of the buffy coat, indirect fluorescence (IF) test and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Note: (EDTA blood is required for PCR).

Management and Treatment

Drug of choice is Doxycycline 2-10 mg/kg, IM, PO, q 24 h for a minimum of twenty-eight days Imidocarb 5-7.5mg IM, SC

Adjunct/supportive therapy.

Vitamin and mineral supplements, fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, haematinics, and good nutrition

Use of tick and flea preventing products are very important to prevent infestation and re- infestation.