Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part K (2024)

Author(s): Kuldeep Kumar and Sandhya Morwal

Abstract: The present study was conducted in total 11 dogs (seven Labrador and four German Shepherd dogs) aged between 5 months to 9 years, presented to Veterinary Clinical Complx, Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur during the period of April to August 2023 with the history of inappetence to anaorexia, general weakness, fever, weight loss and occasional nasal bleeding (only in 4 cases). Carefully examination of auxiliary, inguinal, neck and brisket region of dogs revealed that ticks were present on body. Based on history, clinical findings and presence of ticks on body disease was diagnosed tentatively as canine ehrlichiosis. Confirmatory diagnosis was based upon blood smears examination which showed presence of E. canis organism (as clusters or colonies) within cytoplasm of the mononuclear cells. Affected dogs were treated with imidocarb dipropionate, ivermectin and oxytetracycline along with other supportive therapy. All treated dogs showed marked improvement after 2 days of treatment. Clinically, complete recovery was within 4th day of treatment in 7 dogs and within 7^th day of treatment in remaining 4 dogs. Imidocarb dipropionate is effective for treatment of canine ehrlichiosis. Prognosis is good in ehrlichiosis if animal is treated in early stage but in chronic illness or untreated animals may die. Management of tick infestation is much important to prevent transmission of disease from affected to healthy dogs.