HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY PARAMETERS AS INDICATORS OF THE MOST COMMON CANINE VECTOR BORNE DISEASES IN RN MACEDONIA

Abstract

Canine vector borne diseases (CVBD) are one of the major health issues in Macedonia, with potential fatal outcome. Different pathogenic organisms, transmitted by blood sucking arthropod vectors, cause the diseases. Most commonly present CVBD in Macedonia are: canine ehrlichiosis, heartworm disease, anaplasmosis and leishmaniasis. Infected dogs can present variety of clinical signs, depending of the stage of the disease and the affected organs. The aim of this study was to present most commonly found haematology and serum biochemistry alterations in dogs with CVBDs. For that purpose, we analysed 40 dogs, divided in 4 groups depending of the disease. Haematology and serum biochemistry analyses were analysed for each dog. The results revealed moderate normocytic normochromic anaemia with elevated kidney parameters as well as hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia in patients with leishmaniasis. Thrombocytopenia was marked haematology parameter for patients with ehrlichiosis, while elevated ALKP was present in dogs with heartworm disease. These laboratory parameters can be used in conjunction with the clinical findings as indicators for further necessary diagnostic tests for CVBD in dogs.