THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF MIXED HAEMOPARASITIC INFECTION AND CORNEAL OPACITIY IN A 4-YEAR-OLD MALE GERMAN SHERPHERD DOG
Tick borne haemoparasitc diseases are the most common vector borne diseases in canines. These infections are spread from one host to another by tick bite and ingestion.
Mixed haemoparasitic infection like canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis can result in severe clinical disease. A 4-year-old male German Shepherd dog was presented to Pet Health Veterinary Clinic, Arepo Ogun State with the complain of staggering into objects and heavy tick infestation. On physical examination, the dog was febrile, had bilateral corneal opacity, the ocular mucus membranes were pale, there was heavy tick infestation. Blood sample was collected for haematology, blood smear, liver and kidney function tests. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed the presence of Babesia parasites in the erythrocytes, severe anaemia, neutrophilia, anisocytosis, and macrocytosis. Rapid test kit for Ehrlichiosis was positive. Kidney function test shows high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) while liver function test shows high total protein The dog was administered Simparica® (2mg/kg) to control tick infestation, haematinics to aid blood formation, dexamethasone (0.5mg/kg) to reduce inflammation due to corneal opacity, diminazene aceturate(3.5mg/kg) to treat Babesiosis and doxycycline(10mg/kg) to treat Ehrlichiosis. The dog recovered completely after 7days and was fully discharged.
Keywords: Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Tick infestation, Doxycycline, Cornea opacity, Anaemia
