Diagnosis and management of concurrent infection of Ehrlichiosis and Dirofilariasis in a miniature pinscher dog

Abstract

A three year old male Miniature Pinscher dog was reported with the history of anorexia, vomiting, intermittent fever and coughing for one week. Icteric mucous membrane, pyrexia (40.2o C), enlarged superficial lymph nodes and ecchymotic patches on the ventral abdomen were noticed. Ticks were present on the animal. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed morula of Ehrlichia canis in monocytes and Dirofilaria organism. Haematological examination showed anaemia, thrombocytopenia and monocytosis. Elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were observed. Radiography revealed cardiomegaly. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed indistinct cortico-medullary junction in both kidneys. The dog was treated with Ringer’s lactate, Dextrose normal saline, ivermectin, Doxycycline, pantoprazole, diethylcarbamazine and prednisolone. The animal showed clinical improvement after the treatment.