Case Report of a Dog Heavily Infected With Hepatozoonosis

Abstract

Canine hepatozoonosis is a widespread tick-borne protozoan disease and generally affects domestic dogs. Diagnosis can be made via PCR, serology, and direct observation of the gamonts of the parasite on stained blood smears. In the present case, a four-year-old female crossbred hunting dog presented to Balikesir University Veterinary Faculty clinics of internal medicine with a history of exercise intolerance, and weight loss for ten days. The dog was highly infected and showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutrophilia. In radiographic analysis, unilateral pulmonary pathology was determined. This case report can be important for clinicians who live in Turkey to recognize the parasite.