Concurrent infection of Babesia canis vogeli and Ehrlichia canis in a non-descriptive Indian dog

Abstract The present study reports a complicated case of co-infection by haemoprotozoan and haemorickettsiale in a two months old non descriptive male dog. The aim of present clinical study includes early diagnosis of complicated infections to make the prognosis safe. For confirmatory diagnosis, blood sample was collected for routine haemato-biochemical, blood smear examination and molecular diagnosis. Dog had history of vomition and anorexia since last one week. Clinical examination of animal revealed dullness, depression, pale conjunctival mucus membrane and decreased rectal temperature (96.20F). Haematological investigation revealed severe anaemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical examination revealed increased plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Microscopic examination of blood smear revealed oval to pyriform bodies in groups as Babesia canis in RBC’s as well as outside the RBC’s and morula of Ehrlichia canis within the cytoplasm of monocyte. Blood sample was also processed for molecular diagnosis and confirmed positive for both the infections by PCR method. Haemato-biochemical alterations; microscopic examination and molecular diagnosis by PCR confirmed the coinfection of Babesia canis vogeli and Ehrlichia canis in affected dog and proved the infection fatal and can make the prognosis grave. Treatment was given to animal but unfortunately animal was died on the same day. Hence, the present study concludes the confirmatory diagnosis of coinfection of Babesia canis vogeli and Ehrlichia canis in dogs.