MOLECULAR CONFIRMATION AND THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE TO MINOCYCLINE IN DOGS WITH CANINE MONOCYTIC EHRLICHIOSIS

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is a tick-borne disease associated with multisystemic involvement and hematobiochemical alterations. The present study evaluated diagnosis, therapeutic response and clinical outcome in eight infected dogs. Diagnosis was established by peripheral blood smear examination and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. All dogs received minocycline at 10 mg/kg intravenously every 12 h for 4 days, followed by oral administration at the same dose for 24 days. Supportive therapy included silymarin, platelet-enhancing agents and additional treatment as required. Clinical and hematobiochemical improvements occurred, with complete recovery in all dogs by day 28.