Observations on Ehrlichia Canis in Imported Dogs
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Date
2001-11-16
Authors
Jayathilaka, P. S.
Dangolla, A.
Silva, I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is a common clinical disease encountered in police dogs in Sri Lanka. The
present investigation was carried out to detect the early stages of the infection by determining
the first appearance of the morula stages of Ehrlichia canis in blood of dogs that were imported
to Sri Lanka. The relationships between the presence of the parasite with haematological
changes such as thrombocytopaenia and micro agglutination of erythrocytes, clinical signs, and
mild exercise were also studied. The findings of the study were meant to improve the health of
the dogs in the kennels division of the Police Department.
The blood sampling of dogs imported from Australia in November 1999 (group A) and
in October 2000 (group B) were commenced in February and November 2000, respectively.
The blood samples from Group A dogs were taken till June 2000, and those from Group B
were taken till February 2001. Mild exercise was introduced in March 2000 and in December
2000 for the Group A and B dogs, respectively. Thin smears from peripheral blood were
prepared from the ear tips, once every fortnight. Smears were stained with Leishman stain and
were microscopically examined for the presence of the morula stages ofElrlichia canis and the
indirect platelet counts and other haematological changes were also monitored.
No direct relationships were observed between the presence of the parasite in the
peripheral blood, mild exercise or specific clinical signs. Therefore, it seems inappropriate to
treat the dogs showing evidence of the parasite in peripheral blood with drugs. Although
tetracylicines are used conventionally and sometimes indiscriminately as a treatment for
Ehrlichiosis, it may be clinically and economically beneficial to avoid such treatment wherever
possible, in order to minimize the side effects of the drug and to allow the host to develop
immunity. It was also evident that some dogs were more susceptible to infection than others,
despite the presence of the same infection pressure and environment. The morulae were first
seen at 8 and 6 weeks after importation in Groups A and B, respectively. Dogs with morula
stages did not always show severe thrombocytopaenia (50,000 platelets) and
microagglutination of erythrocytes. Interestingly, thrombocytopaenia and micro agglutination
were absent in the dogs that did not have morulae in their peripheral blood. Accordingly, the
absence of thrombocytopaenia and micro agglutination appears to be very good indications of
absence of morulae, while their presence mayor may not indicate the disease.
However, clinical signs of Ehrlichiosis appeared after the dogs were trained for police
commands and police work, possibly related to stress. Detailed studies to alleviate stress of
training are needed. Diarrhoea was the only clinical condition reported during the sampling
period and that too was cured by dietary management and without any medication.
Description
Keywords
Agricultural , Obsavations , Canis , Dog
Citation
Proceedings & abstracts of the Annual Research Sessions 2001,University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka,pp.170