Ehrlichiosis and polyarthritis in three dogs.
Three dogs admitted for evaluation of lameness were determined to be infected with a neutrophilic strain of Ehrlichia. Ehrlichia morulae were detected in low numbers in both synovial fluid and blood neutrophils. The dogs had rapid clinical improvement after appropriate antibiotic therapy. A diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis easily could have been missed if morulae had not been identified. Ehrlichiosis should be considered in acutely lame dogs residing in areas enzootic for ehrlichiosis. A careful search for Ehrlichia morulae within synovial fluid and blood neutrophils should be performed. An E canis titer determination also may be helpful.
Cowell
R L
RL
Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078.
Tyler
R D
RD
Clinkenbeard
K D
KD
Meinkoth
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004536:Ehrlichia / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D012288:Rickettsiaceae Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*