Infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a young dog: a case report.

摘要

An 11-month-old male Golden Retriever occasionally found to have Ixodes ricinus ticks attached to the skin developed the acute onset of fever, lameness and inappetence followed by rapidly progressive depression, ataxia and reluctance to move. Inclusions (morulae) were observed in granulocytes. The blood analysis revealed severe thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, eosinopenia, elevation of alkaline phosphatase and hypercholesterolaemia, mostly suggestive of an A. phagocytophilum infection. The amplification of a DNA sequence specific for A. phagocytophilum and detection of specific antibodies supported the diagnosis. Borrelia burgdorferi, another tickborne pathogen, or specific antiborrelial IgG antibodies were not detected. The dog was treated with oral doxycycline for 14 days, and clinical symptoms resolved within six days..