Canine rangeliosis: a rare case of hyperparasitemia in the acute phase

Martins, Danieli BroloSilva, Aleksandro Schaffer daOliveira, Evelyn deLabruna, Marcelo BahiaSoares, João Fábio

Background: R. vitalii causes a remerging tick-borne disease known as rangeliosis. The parasite is not always identifiable in blood smears, especially in the chronic phase of the disease. Low parasitemia levels have been observed in cases of rangeliosis caused by natural infection, even in acute situations, while hyperparasitemia has been reported only in acute experimental infection. This paper describes an unusual case of acute natural R. vitalii infection with hyperparasitemia. Case: The dog (a 12-year-old male German Shepherd) had presented apathy, dyschezia and hyporexia for three days prior to seeing the veterinarian, whose examination revealed discrete pale mucous membranes, soft bloody stools, hyperthermia, splenomegaly and lethargy. Numerous intra-erythrocytic forms, as well as free-living parasites compatible with R. vitalii and/or Babesia sp, were also found in the CBC (complete blood count), and the parasite load was estimated at 12 parasites/ field x1000. After diagnosing hemoparasitosis from the blood smear, therapy was started immediately. After 18 days of treatment, the animal returned to the veterinary hospital showing visibly improved health. The dogs mucous membranes showed normal coloration. A new CBC showed no intra-erythrocytic parasite in the blood smear. Some of the blood drawn during the animals first examination was sent for DNA extraction. Two [...](AU)

1. Rangelia vitalii
2. high parasitemia
3. natural acute phase
4. dogs