Co-infection with theileriosis and anaplasmosis in a holstein friesian crossbred cattle and its therapeutic management

Abstract

A 5-year-old HF crossbred cattle was examined with history of anorexia, fever, nasal discharge and inability to stand. On clinical examination, the cattle revealed pyrexia (rectal temperature 104.2 °F), papery white conjunctival and vaginal mucous membranes, swollen lymph nodes and mild tick infestation. The cow was unable to stand due to severe weakness. History and clinical signs suggested for haemoprotozoan infection. The blood was collected from jugular vein for haemato-biochemical analysis and preparation of blood smear. The blood smear examination revealed the presence of intra-erythrocytic stages of Theileria annulata and Anaplasma marginale in blood smear. Haemato-biochemical analysis showed marked anemia (Hb 7.2 gm/dl; PCV 21% and TEC 3.8 X106/µl), hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperbilirubinemia. The cattle was treated with single IM injection of buparvaquone @ 2.5 mg /Kg BW followed by IV administration of oxytetracycline @10mg/Kg BW in normal saline for 5 days along with supportive therapy as B-Complex injection @ 10ml IM daily for 5 days and hematinic orally for ten days. The IV administration of hydroxyethyl starch (VetplasmaR) @ 10 ml/Kg as blood volume expander was also given in divided dose for two days. The affected cattle showed gradual clinical improvement from second day of treatment and onwards, and almost complete clinical recovery was observed after two week post treatment.