title: Prognostic indicators for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.
abstract: In order to identify prognostic factors for survival in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), clinical records of 40 cases of CME were retrospectively studied. The dogs were assigned as survivors (n=21) and non-survivors (n=19), and their signalment, anamnesis, clinical and clinicopathological signs, and treatment protocols were compared. Pale mucous membranes, bleeding tendencies and weakness were more prevalent in the non-survivors compared to the survivors. Dogs in the non-survivor group had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC), hematocrit (HCT), and platelet (PLT) counts. Pronounced pancytopenia (WBC < 4 x 10(3) microL(-1); HCT < 25%; PLT < 50 x 10(3) microL(-1)) was found as a risk factor for mortality. In this study, severe leucopenia (WBC < 0.93 x 10(3) microL(-1)), severe anemia (PCV < 11.5%), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT>18.25s) and hypokalemia (K<3.65 mmol/L) were each found to predict mortality with a probability of 100%. In contrast, WBC counts above 5.18 x 10(3) microL(-1), platelet counts above 89.5 x 10(3) microL(-1), PCV > 33.5%, APTT < 14.5s and serum potassium concentration above 4.75 mmol/L, each provided 100% prediction for survival. These prognostic indicators can be easily obtained at presentation, are inexpensive, and may be useful aids when treatment and prognosis are being considered.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shipov
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Klement
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Reuveni-Tager
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Waner
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harrus
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D004285:Dogs; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016873:Ehrlichiosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004318:Doxycycline