#Clinical #case #Ukos #treated #piroplasmosis #News #Animal #welfare #CHUVAC #Clinical #services
Ukos, a 3-month-old Australian shepherd, was treated at the ENVT University Hospital for Companion Animals for piroplasmosis.
Ukos, came for consultation on Friday January 26, 2024 for the booster of his vaccines. The puppy was in great shape, no health problems. During the examination, 2 ticks were removed from him. They were still small and therefore difficult to detect in the thick coat of the Australian Shepherd.
A few hours after taking the dewormer, during the night from Saturday to Sunday, Ukos regurgitated his meal. On Sunday, he presented with dysorexia (eating disorder).n) and a reduction (fatigue, no energy). Everything suggested a simple reaction to vaccines and/or deworming.
Monday January 29 as the symptoms persisted, the owners made an appointment in emergency in general medicine and were received the same morning. Charline and her team received Ukos. On clinical examination the puppy presented a good general health apart from from fever and one deduction.
Three avenues were considered:
- The parvovirose which is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This serious viral disease is very contagious in dogs. It is detected by a rapid stool sample test.
- The piroplasmose which is a common and serious parasitic disease in dogs. This disease, caused by a parasite transmitted by a tick bite, attacks red blood cells. It is detected by taking a blood test to show the presence of parasites in the blood.
- A strong presence of internal parasites in the digestive system was the most likely lead at his age.
Results: the search for parvovirus was negative but parasites were visualized in the red blood cells in the blood smear, making it possible to diagnose piroplasmosis. The blood test results showed marked anemia (very little hemoglobin in the body), highly activated lymphocytes, leukopenia (decreased total white blood cell count), activated monocytes, and thrombocytopenia (lack of platelets). ).
He came back urgently on Monday evening so that Charline would give him an intramuscular injection of Carbesia ND (Imidocarb). Subsequently, there was a lot of vomiting due to the toxins released by the parasites before they died. On Thursday, February 1, Ukos returned for a check-up. Everything was much better, his anemia was improving but some parasites were still present in the blood. The vet gave him a second injection of Carbasia ND. He has since made a full recovery.
It is essential to protect your animals with an antiparasitic agent.
In this specific case, the owners initially thought it was a reaction to the vaccines but if the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, consider seeking emergency advice. Ukos was saved thanks to its rapid support.
