Investigation of the use of C-reactive protein in the clinical evaluation of dogs with ehrlichiosis

Objective: In this thesis, it was aimed to determine the CRP levels in dogs with ehrlichiosis and to evaluate the relationship between CRP and various clinical findings. Material and Methods: A total of 30 dogs, including Ehrlichiosis (n = 20) and healthy (n = 10) ones, were enrolled in the study. Clinical scores and serum CRP levels were determined. Results: CRP was found to be higher (p = 0.000) in infected dogs (89.75 ± 16.55) compared to healthy ones (4 ± 0.00). Additionally, CRP levels of dogs with ehrlichiosis were statistically significant correlated with clinical findings only with lethargy (r = -0.524, p = 0.018) and petechiae / ecchymosis (r = -0.467, p = 0.038). Conclusion: It was concluded that increased CRP and variation of clinical symptoms were related to inflammation in dogs with ehrlichiosis, but this subject could be investigated with more samples. Key words: Clinical findings, CRP, Ehrlichiosis