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Canine hepatozoonosis in Oklahoma
R J Panciera1, N T Gatto, M A Crystal
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078-2007, USA.
Summary
Hepatozoonosis, a tick-borne disease, is expanding its endemic area in Oklahoma dogs. Clinical signs include fever, high white blood cell counts, and poor response to treatment, indicating chronic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne parasitic disease affecting canines.
- The endemic range of canine hepatozoonosis has historically been documented in specific regions.
Observation:
- Four dogs from Oklahoma, with lifelong residency, presented with clinical signs suggestive of hepatozoonosis.
- Observed clinical features included fever, significant neutrophilic leukocytosis, periosteal new bone proliferation, myalgia, weakness, and muscle wasting.
Findings:
- The cases exhibited signs consistent with chronic, persistent inflammatory disease.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying Hepatozoon gamonts in peripheral blood leukocytes and observing encysted forms in skeletal muscle and other tissues.
Implications:
- This documentation suggests an expansion of the recognized endemic area for canine hepatozoonosis.
- The poor and nonresponsive nature of clinical signs to antimicrobial treatment highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.