Clinical and laboratory follow up of Anaplasma phagocytophilum naturally infected equines

This study identified the main clinical and laboratorial alterations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum naturally infected horses that were treated using oxytetracycline as the only medicine, totalizing 5 treatments. It was evaluated six horses presenting clinical symptoms with a definitive diagnostic by direct observation of blood smears or PCR. All he animals showed alterations on hematology and serum biochemistry, compatible to an acute infection. During the treatment, it was seen that the values of almost all the evaluated parameters returned to normal. Animals diagnosed with acute infection presented hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia and diminished values of ALT and AST. The use of oxytetracycline in equines must be done with caution due to the risk of myositis and diarrhea and is necessary the biochemistry profile follow up to avoid any problems during the treatment.