1

Chapter 4 Results and Discussion

4.1 Observations on Healthy dogs

4.1.1 General clinical observations

Table 4.1

Table 4.1: General clinical observations in healthy dogs (n=10)

4.1.2 Haematological profile

The haematological values of healthy dogs are presented in the Table 4.2.

Table 4.2: Haematological profile of healthy dogs (n=10)

4.1.3 Blood biochemical profile

The results of blood biochemical profile of healthy dogs are given in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Blood biochemical profile of healthy dogs (n=10)

(Table 4.3).

4.1.4 Plasma mineral and electrolyte profile

The mean values of mineral and electrolyte of healthy dogs are given in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4: Plasma mineral and electrolyte profile of healthy dogs (n=10)

4.1.5 Urine Analysis

The mean values of urine examination are presented in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5: Urine Analysis of healthy dogs (n=10)

4.1.6 Blood gas and acid base status

The levels of blood gas and acid base status are presented in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6: Blood gas and acid base status in healthy dogs (n=5)

4.2 Observation on Diseased dogs

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i. Season wise incidence of haemoprotozoan diseases

The season wise occurrence of haemoprotozoan and rickettesial diseases is

summarised in Table 4.7

Table 4.7: Season wise incidence of Haemoprotozoan and Rickettesial diseases (n=66)

ii. Age and Sex wise incidence of haemoprotozoan and rickettesial diseases

The occurrence of haemoprotozoan and rickettesial diseases in relation to age and

sex is given in Table 4.8 and Fig. 4.1.

Table 4.8: Age and Sex wise incidence of Haemoprotozoan and Rickettesial diseases
(n=66)

Fig. 4.1: Age and Sex wise Incidence of Haemoprotozoan and Rickettesial diseases

iii. Breed wise incidence of haemoprotozoan and rickettesial diseases

Breed wise incidence of haemoprotozoan and rickettesial diseases is

presented in Fig. 4.2.

Fig. 4.2: Breed wise incidence of haemoprotozoan and rickettesial diseases

(n=66)
4.2.1 Haemoprotozoan Diseases

4.2.1.1 Babesiosis

(Plate 4.1 & 4.2).

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Plate 4.1: Babesia gibsoni in blood smear Plate 4.2: Babesia canis in blood smear of
of infected dog infected dog

4.2.1.1.1 Season, age, sex and breed wise incidence

i. Season wise incidence

The occurrence of babesiosis in relation to season is presented in Table 4.9

Table 4.9: Season wise Incidence of Babesiosis

ii. Age and sex wise incidence

The occurrence of babesiosis according to age and sex is presented in Table 4.10
and Fig. 4.3.

Table 4.10: Age and Sex wise incidence of Babesiosis

Fig. 4.3: Age and Sex wise incidence of Babesiosis

iii. Breed wise incidence

The breed wise occurrence of babesiosis is summarised in Fig. 4.4.

Fig. 4.4: Breed wise incidence of Babesiosis in dogs

4.2.1.1.2 Clinical observations and manifestations

Clinical observations of dogs suffering from babesiosis is given in Table 4.11.

Table 4.11: Clinical observations in Babesia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Various clinical signs observed in Babesia affected dogs are presented in Table
4.12 and Fig. 4.5. (Plate 4.3 to Plate 4.8).

Table 4.12: Clinical signs observed in Babesia affected dogs

Clinical signs observed in cases of Babesiosis

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Plate 4.3: Dullness and Depression in Plate 4.4: Lymph Node enlargement in
Babesia infected dog Babesia affected dog

Plate 4.5 & 4.6: Icteric buccal mucous membranes and sclera of Babesia affected dogs

Plate 4.7: Vomitus of Babesia affected Plate 4.8: Haematochezia in Babesia

dog affected dog

Fig. 4.5: Different clinical signs observed in Babesia affected dogs

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4.2.1.1.3 Haematological profile

The mean values of haematology of Babesia infected dogs are given in Table 4.13.
(Fig. 4.6).

Table 4.13: Haematological profile of Babesia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Fig. 4.6: Haematological profile in Babesia affected dogs

4.2.1.1.4 Blood biochemical profile

The results of blood biochemical profile of affected dogs is presented in Table 4.14
and Fig. 4.7.

Table 4.14: Blood biochemical profile of Babesia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Fig. 4.7: Blood biochemical profile of Babesia affected dogs

4.2.1.1.5 Mineral and electrolytes profile

The respective mean values of various minerals and electrolytes are presented in
Table 4.15.

Table 4.15: Mineral and electrolyte profile of Babesia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

4.2.1.1.6 Urine analysis

Urine analysis of Babesia infected dogs was done in eight dogs and the results are
given in Table 4.16.

Table 4.16: Urine analysis of Babesia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

4.2.1.1.7 Diagnostic imaging

i. Radiology (Plate 4.9), pleural effusion (Plate 4.10) and slightly enlarged kidneys.

Radiographic findings in Babesia affected dogs

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Plate 4.9: Splenomegaly in Babesia Plate 4.10: Pleural effusion in a dog (Left
affected dog Lateral view)

ii. Ultrasonography

(Plate 4.11), systemic hypertension in one case, cholecystitis in one (Plate 4.12),

Ultrasonographic findings in Babesia affected dogs

Plate 4.11: Splenomegaly in Babesia Plate 4.12: Cholecystitis in Babesia

affected dog affected dog

4.2.1.1.8 Therapeutic studies on Babesia affected dogs

4.2.1.1.8.1 Post treatment general clinical parameters

The pre and post treatment values of general clinical parameters are given in Table
4.17.

Table 4.17: Pre and post treatment general clinical observations of Babesia affected
dogs
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Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not differ
significantly (P<0.05) in group-I and group- II
4.2.1.1.8.2 Post treatment haematological profile

The pre and post treatment values of haematological profile are given in Table 4.18
and Figs. 4.8 & 4.9. count (TLC), neutrophils, lymphocytes and granulocytes in both
Group I and Group II varied non-significantly. (Table 4.18)

Table 4.18: Pre and post treatment haematological parameters of Babesia affected
dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not differ
significantly (P<0.05) in group-I and group- II

Fig. 4.8: Pre and Post Treatment haematological profile in Group-I Babesia
affected dogs

Fig. 4.9: Pre and Post Treatment haematological profile in Group-II Babesia
affected dogs
4.2.1.1.8.3 Post treatment blood biochemical profile

The pre and post treatment values of blood biochemical profile of Babesia affected
dogs are given in Table 4.19 and Figs. 4.10, 4.11 & 4.12. (Fig. 4.10).

able 4.19: Pre and post treatment blood biochemical profile of Babesia affected dogs
(Mean ± S.E.)

Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not
differ signif (Figs. 4.11 & 4.12).
Fig. 4.10: Pre and Post treatment values of Glucose (mg/dl) in Group I and Group II
of Babesia affected dogs
Fig. 4.11: Pre and Post treatment values of Total and Differential Bilirubin in Group
I of Babesia affected dogs

Fig. 4.12: Pre and Post treatment values of Total and Differential Bilirubin in Group
II of Babesia affected dogs
4.2.1.1.8.4 Post treatment mineral and electrolytes profile

The pre and post treatment values of mineral and electrolyte profile of Babesia
affected dogs are given in Table 4.20 and Fig. 4.13.

(Table 4.20).
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Table 4.20: Pre and post treatment mineral and electrolytes of Babesia
affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not
differ significantly (P<0.05) in group-I and group- II
Fig. 4.13: Pre and Post treatment values of Iron (µg/dl) and Copper (µg/dl) in
Group I and Group II of Babesia affected dogs
4.2.1.1.9 Therapeutic efficacy

4.2.1.2 Hepatozoonosis

(Plate 4.13).

Plate 4.13: Gamont of Hepatozoon canis in blood

smear of a dog

Imaging Techniques:

Radiography of the affected case revealed splenomegaly (Plate 4.14 (Plate 4.15).

Plate 4.14: Splenomegaly (V-D Plate 4.15: Distended Gall Bladder in H.

view) in H. canis affected dog canis affected dog
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4.2.2 Rickettesial Diseases

4.2.2.1 Ehrlichiosis

4.2.2.1.1 Diagnostic procedure

Forty-one dogs were found positive for Ehrlichia spp. using different methods for
diagnosis of disease.

i. Microscopic examination
a. Blood smear examination

(Plate 4.16 & 4.17)

Plate 4.16: Morula of Ehrlichia spp. in Plate 4.17: Elementary bodies of Ehrlichia
blood smear of a dog spp. in a monocyte

b. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

ii. Molecular studies

a. Serological detection

Plate 4.18 & 4.19.

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Plate 4.18: Kit showing positive result for Plate 4.19: Kit showing negative result for
Ehrlichia antibody Ehrlichia antibody

b. PCR studies

4.2.2.1.2 Incidence in relation to Age, Sex, Breed and Season

i. Season wise Incidence

The season wise incidence of ehrlichiosis is presented in Table 4.21.

Table 4.21: Season wise incidence of Ehrlichiosis in dogs

Sr. No. Season No. of cases Percentage (%)

1 Summer (March to June) 24 58.54
2 Monsoon (July to October) 11 26.83
3 Winter (November to February) 6 14.63
Total 41 100

ii. Age and Sex wise Incidence

The age and sex wise incidence of canine ehrlichiosis is summarised in Table 4.22
and Fig. 4.14.

Table 4.22: Age and Sex wise incidence of Ehrlichiosis in dogs

Fig. 4.14: Age and Sex wise incidence of Ehrlichiosis in dogs

iii. Breed wise incidence

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Breed wise distribution of canine ehrlichiosis is depicted in Table 4.23 and Fig.
4.15.

Table 4.23: Breed wise incidence of Ehrlichiosis in dogs

Fig. 4.15: Breed wise incidence of Ehrlichiosis in dogs

4.2.2.1.3 Clinical observations and manifestations

Clinical observations of dogs suffering from ehrlichiosis are given in Table 4.24.

Table 4.24: Clinical observations in Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Clinical manifestations observed in Ehrlichia spp. infected dogs are presented in

Table 4.25 and Fig. 4.16.

(Plate 4.20 to Plate 4.25).

Table 4.25: Clinical signs observed in Ehrlichia affected dogs (n=41)

Fig. 4.16: Different clinical signs observed in Ehrlichia affected dogs

Clinical signs observed in cases of Ehrlichiosis

Plate 4.20: Hyphema in Ehrlichia affected Plate 4.21: Retinal haemorrhage in

dog Ehrlichiosis
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Plate 4.22: Scleral bleeding in Ehrlichia Plate 4.23: Light pink CMM of Ehrlichia
affected dog affected dog

Plate 4.24: Petechiae on ventral aspect of Plate 4.25: Epistaxis in Ehrlichia affected
abdomen dog
4.2.2.1.4 Haematological profile

The mean values of haematological parameters of Ehrlichia affected cases are

presented in Table 4. 26.

Table 4.26: Haematological profile in Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

Sr. No. Parameter Healthy Dogs (n=10) Affected Dogs (n=41)

1 Hb (g/dl) 13.80 ± 0.35 9.13 ± 0.66**
2 PCV (%) 41.45 ± 1.06 29.05 ± 1.92**
3 TEC (x 1012 /L) 6.87 ± 0.21 4.38 ± 0.30**
4 TLC (x 109/L) 11.26 ± 0.65 10.30 ± 1.17
5 Lymphocytes (%) 18.74 ± 2.20 20.58 ± 2.61
6 Monocytes (%) 3.82 ± 0.32 3.63 ± 0.24
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7 Granulocytes (%) 77.44 ± 2.41 75.81 ± 2.71

8 MCV (fl) 60.46 ± 0.73 67.55 ± 1.36*
9 MCH (pg) 20.11 ± 0.30 20.81 ± 0.44
10 MCHC (g/dl) 33.30 ± 0.14 30.72 ± 0.41**
11 Platelet count (x 109/L) 287.70 ± 28.47 73.98 ± 9.85**
4.2.2.1.5 Blood biochemical profile
The mean values of various biochemicals of Ehrlichia affected dogs are presented
in Table 4.27 and Fig. 4.17.

healthy dogs (Fig. 4.17).

Table 4.27: Biochemical profile in Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

(Table 4.27).

Fig. 4.17: Blood biochemical profile in Ehrlichia affected dogs

4.2.2.1.6 Mineral and electrolyte estimation

The mean values of plasma mineral and electrolytes of Ehrlichia affected dogs are
given in Table 4.28.

Table 4.28: Mineral and Electrolyte profile in Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

4.2.2.1.7 Urine Examination

Urine analysis of Ehrlichia affected dogs was done in twelve dogs and is given in
Table 4.29.

Table 4.29: Urine examination in Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

4.2.2.1.8 Blood gas and acid base status

The blood gas and acid base status of Ehrlichia affected dogs is presented in Table
4.30

Table 4.30: Blood gas and acid base status in Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

4.2.2.1.9 Imaging techniques

i. Radiography
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Radiography was carried out in eight affected cases of Ehrlichiosis. Splenomegaly

(Plate 4.26) (Plate 4.27)

Plate 4.26: Splenomegaly in a dog (Lateral Plate 4.27: Ascites in a dog (Lateral view)
view)

ii. Ultrasonography

Ultrasonographic examination was performed in nine of the Ehrlichia affected dogs

and the findings are given in the Table 4.31.

Table 4.31: Ultrasonographic findings in Ehrlichia affected dogs (n= 9)

Most common finding was splenomegaly (Plate 4.28) (Plate 4.29 & 4.30) a (Plate
4.31) (Plate 4.32)

Plate 4.28: Splenomegaly in Ehrlichia Plate 4.29: Hypo-echoic Liver indicative of

affected dog hepatitis
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Plate 4.30: Focal hepatitis in Ehrlichia Plate 4.31: Fatty degeneration of Liver in
affected dog Ehrlichiosis

Plate 4.32: Cholecystitis in Ehrlichia Plate 4.33: Hyper-echoic renal cortex in

affected dog Ehrlichia affected dog

(Plate 4.33)

4.2.2.1.10 Therapeutic Studies on Ehrlichia affected dogs

4.2.2.1.10.1 Post treatment general clinical parameters

The pre and post treatment values of general clinical parameters are given in Table 4.32.
Table 4.32: Pre and Post treatment general clinical parameters of Ehrlichia affected
dogs (Mean ± S.E.)

4.2.2.1.10.2 Post treatment haematological profile

The pre and post treatment values of haematological parameters are given in Table
4.33 and Figs. 4.18, 4.19 and 4.20.
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Table 4.33: Pre and Post treatment values of haematology of Ehrlichia affected dogs
(Mean ± S.E.)

Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not differ
significantly (P<0.05) in each group
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Fig. 4.18: Pre and Post treatment haematological profile in Group I of Ehrlichia
affected dogs

Fig. 4.19: Pre and Post treatment haematological profile in Group II of Ehrlichia
affected dogs

Fig. 4.20: Pre and Post treatment haematological profile in Group III of Ehrlichia
affected dogs
4.2.2.1.10.3 Post treatment blood biochemical profile

The mean pre and post treatment values of blood biochemical of Ehrlichia affected
dogs are presented in Table 4.34 and Figs. 4.21, 4.22 & 4.23.

Table 4.34: Pre and Post treatment blood biochemical profile of Ehrlichia affected
dogs (Mean ± S.E.)
Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not differ
significantly (P<0.05) in each group
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Fig. 4.21: Pre and Post treatment biochemical profile in Group I, Group II and
Group III of Ehrlichia affected dogs
Fig. 4.22: Pre and Post treatment biochemical profile in Group I, Group II and
Group III of Ehrlichia affected dogs

Fig. 4.23: Pre and Post treatment biochemical profile in Group I, Group II and
Group III of Ehrlichia affected dogs
4.2.2.1.10.4 Post treatment mineral and electrolytes profile

The mean pre and post treatment values of minerals of Ehrlichia affected dogs are
presented in Table 4.35 and Fig. 4.24.

Table 4.35: Pre and Post treatment mineral profile of Ehrlichia affected dogs (Mean ±
S.E.)
Values within a row having superscript with at least one common letter do not differ
significantly (P<0.05) in each group
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Fig. 4.24: Pre and Post treatment mineral profile in Group I, Group II and
Group III of Ehrlichia affected dogs

4.2.2.1.11 Therapeutic efficacy