Changes in hematological and CRP(c-reactive protein) values during the treatment process of dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis

The pathogen Ehrlishia canis bacteria, vectored by ticks, infects monocytes in dogs. Ehrlichiosis, also known as the silent killer, is an infectious disease that can be fatal by causing hematological disorders. Complete blood count has a very important role in the diagnosis and treatment process of ehrlichiosis. Determination of CRP concentration may help assess the severity of inflammatory damage in dogs with E. canis infection. The aim of this study is to compare the hematological and CRP values of dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis with healthy dogs before, during and after treatment and to evaluate the changes during the process. In this study, leftover blood samples taken from 15 dogs diagnosed with Ehrlichia coming to private clinics in Aksaray were used for disease follow-up. Blood samples were taken from 15 dogs diagnosed with ehrlichiosis and 7 healthy dogs on the 0th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days and hematological and cCRP parameters were monitored. In hematological evaluation, WBC, Neu#, Neu%, Eos#, Eos%, Lym#, Lym%, Mon#, Mon%, RBC, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, HCT, PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, P-LCR and P-LCC were examined. Veterinarians gave Doxycycline to dogs; they stated that they applied the 5mg/kg, PO, G2K, 28 days treatment protocol. The results before, during and after the treatment were compared and evaluated. As a result of the study, cCRP, WBC, Neu#, Eos# and Mon# values were higher; HCT, RBC, HGB, MCH, MCHC, RDW-SD, PLT and PDW values were low in the patient group compared to healthy animals; there was no difference in Lym#, MCV, RDW-CV, MPV, PCT, P-LCR and P-LCC values. The CRP, WBC, Neu#, Eos#, Lym# and Mon# levels of the sick dogs decreased; their HCT, RBC, HGB, MCH, MCHC, RDW-SD, PLT, RDW-CV, PCT and PDW values increased; their MCV, MCHC, MPV, P-LCR and P-LCC values did not change during the treatment process. Hematological and cCRP values measured during the treatment process enable the interpretation of the treatment. Key words: Ehrlichia canis, CRP, hematological values May, 2024; 48 pages