Study of Haemato-biochemical Alterations of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) in Seropositive Dogs of Kathmandu Valley: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to study diagnostic importance of haemato-biochemical alterations of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) in seropositive dogs. A sampling of 88 dogs from different hospitals and clinics from Kathmandu Valley was conducted from June to October2024 and testing via rapid antibody kit was done for estimation of haemato-biochemical alterations and its associated risk factors. The prevalence of Ehrlichiacanis (E.canis) was highest in mixed breed (35.23%) followed by German shepherd (12.50 %), Spitz (15.91%), Golden retriever (6.82%), Mongrel (5.68%), Labrador (4.55%), Lhasa apso (4.55%), Cocker, Tibetan mastiff and Local (3.41%), and Pug and Husky were least infected breeds. Female dogs were more predisposed to Ehrlichiacanis (E. canis) than male dogs (35%). The highest prevalence of Ehrlichiacanis (E. canis) was seen in monsoon (62.50%), followed by spring season (30.68%) and the lowest incidence in autumn. The mean and range of seropositive dogs were 6.52±3.96 and 0.5 to 17 years respectively. Compared to old age, young (43.16%) and middle (44.32%) age group showed a higher predisposition. In addition, significant low PCV, TEC, Hb, albumin, thrombocytes, and significant increase in ALP, total serum bilirubin, direct bilirubin, BUN, Creatinine and leukocyte indicate that haemato-biochemical tests can play a significant role in accurate diagnosis of Ehrlichiacanis (E.canis). The mean value of neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil, ALT, total protein and random blood was significant at p-value of <0.05. This study showed mark alterations in haemato-biochemcial parameters of in seropositive dogs when compared with apparently healthy dogs.