Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: Case report

Abstract

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is an infectious disease of worldwide distribution, caused by Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, resulting in mild to intense signs or absence, depending on the stage of the disease. The diagnosis can be made by serology, research hematozoa and molecular techniques like Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The aim of this study is to report the case of a Bitch Boxer, 12 years old, with hyperthermia, tachypnea, stridor, and petechiae, being submitted to additional tests, that demonstrated thrombocytopenia, hyperproteinemia and increased AST and ALT; the diagnosis was established by associating these results with PCR positive for E. canis; Doxycycline was used for the treatment, and after completion, the patient returned for reassessment, being PCR negative from peripheral blood sample. We suggest a new PCR from samples of bone marrow or spleen, because from peripheral blood it may result in false negatives.