Therapeutic management and haemato-biochemical changes in canine hepatozoonosis

A seven-year-old Labrador retriever dog was presented to VetLab Meerut with a history of vomiting, anorexia, fever and weakness for 15 days. Clinical examination revealed pyrexia, pale conjunctival and oral mucous membranes. Haemato-biochemical evaluation revealed anemia (Hb-8.4g/dl, RBC-4.25 106/μl, PCV-28.2%), leukocytosis (23.32×103/μl), thrombocytopenia (1.62 lakhs/μl), hypoalbuminemia (1.83 g/dl), hyperglobulinemia (4.91 g/dl) and elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (48.2 mg/dl), creatinine (3.12 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (121.3 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (69.6U/L). On blood smear examination Hepatozoon canis gamonts in the neutrophils were found. Subsequently, animal was treated with a combination therapy including single dose of Inj. Imidocarb dipropionate (6.6 mg/kg, SC) and Tab. Doxycycline (5 mg/kg, PO, BID) for 21 days. Supportive treatment was done with antiemetics, hepatoprotectants, hematinics, plasma expanders and acaricides. An uneventful recovery was noticed after 21 days of treatment. Our present report highlights the successful effect of combination therapy including imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline drugs, fighting against the infection.