Successful therapeutic management of canine ehrlichiosis with aid of blood transfusion: A case report

Abstract

Ehrlichiosis is a globally distributed canine vector- borne disease transmitted by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. A 45- day- old male husky dog weighing 2 kg is presented with the history of tick infestation, inappetence, fever, lethargy, anemia and melena. Clinical examination revealed elevated rectal temperature of 104.60 F, increased respiratory rate and pale mucous membrane. Ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in a dog from blood smear examination with Giemsa staining, Ehrlichia morulae were noticed in lymphocytes and also confirmed by rapid test kit. Complete blood picture revealed a decrease in red blood cell count, platelet count and low hemoglobin concentration compared to the normal range. The dog was treated with doxycycline at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg body weight intravenously with DNS slowly, Imidocarb was given in two doses with an interval of 14 days at a dose rate of 6.6 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously, followed by supportive drugs. Blood transfusion was done on the first day of treatment. After 21 days of therapy, the dog was completely recovered from the ehrlichiosis.