Diagnostic path for Hepatozoon canis infections in dogs CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical history
Key clinical pathological findings
Major clinical signs
Tick infestation?
Lethargy
Poor ectoparasiticide compliance? Travel to endemic area?
Weakness Anemia (pale mucous membranes)
Platelets
Loss of appetite?
Fever
BUN
Weight loss?
Lymph node enlargement Dehydration
Hematology
Low
Normal
High
WBC Neutrophils Biochemistry
Low
Normal
High
Low
Normal
High
SGPT (ALT) Alk Phos Albumin Globulins Urine –
CAUTION:
Clinical signs and clinical pathological findings are non-specific, thus consider other chronic infectious / inflammatory and neoplastic diseases!
FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Blood smear microscopy
Serology Not readily available
PCR Available and confirmatory Pathogen might be found in either acute or chronic phase
CAUTION: Always consider the possibility of co-infection after the diagnosis of one vector-borne disease has been made.
THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS Imidocarb diproprionate
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES Compliant year-round tick control with repellant remedy