Presentation of hemolytic and hemorrhagic rangeliosis in Cerdocyon thous

Publication date: Available online 22 February 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Bruna Copat, Paulo Vinicius Bastiani, Fernanda Catelari Jaconi, Wanderley Wallyson Damarem, André Felipe Streck, Eduardo Conceição de Oliveira, Luciana Sonne, Raqueli Teresinha FrançaAbstractRangeliosis, caused by protozoan Rangelia vitalii, is transmitted by the tick Amblyomma aureolatum. The disease is characterized by hemolytic and hemorrhagic disorder and has been described in dogs and other wild canids. The aim of this study was to compare clinicopathological findings and laboratory results of a Rangelia infection in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) with those of canine rangeliosis. The zoo of Universidade de Caxias do Sul, received a crab-eating fox with marked jaundice in mucous membranes, dark-colored stools and neurological signs. The animal underwent an ear tip smear examination and blood collection for complete blood counts, serum biochemistry and PCR. Free-living and intraerythrocytic pyriform structures consistent with R. vitalii were found in the blood smear of the ear tip. The erythrogram revealed normocytic normochromic anemia, moderate macrocytosis, polychromasia and metarubricytosis. The leukogram revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis, as well as severe thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistry showed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and elevated levels of urea and creatinine. The treatment was performed with imidocarb hydrochloride and dexa...
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research