Therapeutic management of acute hepatic dysfunction due to canine ehrlichiosis

Abstract

Infection with Ehrlichia canis is indicated by anaemia, an initial fever, anorexia, significant weight loss, black urine, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly in canines. A 6-year-old golden retriever dog was presented with a history of fever, anorexia, dullness, reduced water intake, increased panting, lethargic behaviour which revealed pyrexia of 104 ◦F, swollen lymph nodes, tachycardia and tachypnoea on clinical exam. Blood smear examination revealed presence of morula of E. Canis. Heamatobiochemistry revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia increased ALT, ALP, AST and BUN parameters. Hepatomegaly was observed as radiographic finding. Therapeutic management was done with Tab. Doxycycline @ 5 mg/kg B.W. PO BID for 28 days and additionally Silymarin @ 2tsp BID PO and tab. Ursodeoxycholic acid @ 15 mg/kg PO OD as a therapy for hepatic damage. Blood smear tested negative for Ehrlichia canis 28 days post treatment.