Monocytic ehrlichiosis in Aegean Region dogs: clinical and haematological findings

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate clinical and haematological findings among 63 dogs solely diagnosed canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) within IFAT application. For this purpose; age, breed, sex, anti-parasitic drug application, living environment, the presence of tick and general condition of the dogs were noticed, clinical and haematological variables were determined. Fourteen out of 63 (22.22%) dogs were regularly treated with anti-parasitic drugs while other 49 dogs (77.77%) were irregularly treated with anti-parasitic drugs. Forty-two (66.66%) of the dogs were living on garden conditions while 21 (33.33%) of the dogs were living in the house and 36 (57.14%) of the dogs had tick found on clinical referral. The most commonly observed clinical signs were anorexia (87.30%), lymphadenopathy (80.95%), pale mucous membranes (47.61%) and fever (42.85 %). Besides tachypnoea (36.50%), tachyarrhythmia (34.92%), haemorrhagia (22.22%), eye lesions (22.22%), skin lesions (7.93%), neurological signs (3.17%) and arthritis (19.04%) were other observed clinical signs. Thrombocytopenia (63.49%) and anaemia (46.03%) were most commonly detected haematological findings. In conclusion, it was suggested that CME was prevalent in our region and CME must be taken into consideration among dogs presenting aforementioned clinical and haematological findings.