Therapeutic management of Hepatozoon canis induced acute hepatitis in a dog

A three year old Labrador retriever dog was presented to the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar with a history of vomiting, anorexia, fever and tick infestation. Clinical examination revealed pyrexia, pale conjunctival and oral mucous membrane, hepatomegaly, peripheral lymphadenopathy. Haemato-biochemical evaluation revealed anemia (Hb- 8.1g/dl, RBC- 3.95 millions/mm3, PCV- 25.2%), leukocytosis (21.32×103 cells/mm3), thrombocytopenia (1.12 lakhs/mm3), Hypoalbuminemia (1.44 g/dl), hyperglobulinemia (4.51 g/dl) and elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (37.4 mg/dl), creatinine (2.05 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (162 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (48 U/L). Blood smear examination revealed Hepatozoon canis gamonts in the neutrophils. The animal was treated with a combination therapy including single dose of Inj. Imidocarb dipropionate (6.6 mg/kg, SC) and Tab. Doxycycline (5 mg/kg, PO, BID) for 28 days. Supportive treatment was done with antiemetics, hepatoprotectants, hematinics, plasma expanders and acaricides. An uneventful recovery was noticed after 28 days of treatment.