Prevalence of Ehrlichia Canis Infection in Uşak and Investigation of Clinical, Hematological and Biochemical Signs in Infected Dogs

Canine ehrlichiosis which becomes widespread worldwide is generated by a pathogen bacteria called Ehrlichia Canis. The prevalence of ehrlichiosis changes according to geographic regions in veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the canine ehrlichiosis in Uşak, Turkey, together with clinical, hematological and biochemical signs. 100 dogs found in 6 different regions of Uşak city were checked for the presence of Ehrlichia Canis. Clinical signs most frequently described in 7 dogs (7%) having ehrlichiosis were anorexia, weight loss, thinness, fever and lymphadenopathy. Hematological signs most commonly detected in the dogs having ehrlichiosis were anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Increase on hypoalbuminemia, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase enzyme activities were recorded as biochemical changes most frequently seen in the dogs having ehrlichiosis. This is the first study in which the prevalence of the canine ehrlichiosis is determined in Uşak, Turkey, together with clinical, hematological and biochemical signs.