Canine Hepatozoonosis. First four cases documented in General Pico - La Pampa province - Argentina

Abstract

The hepatozoonosis is a parasitic
disease caused by protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon
spp. affecting primarily the dog, as well
as other animal species. The definitive host is
the brown tick, Riphicephalus sanguíneus, that
transmits the disease when ingested by the intermediate
host. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific
and similar to those produced by other diseases
most prevalent in the canine population. It is
more severe in puppies less than 1 year of age
and older dogs. The aim of this publication is to
report the first cases of canine hepatozoonosis
registered in the city of General Pico province
of La Pampa. The presence of gametocytes
of Hepatozoon canis was determined in whole
blood drawn from forearm cephalic vein and
colored smears with staining 15. All cases were
from municipal canilera and were treated at the
Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary
Science, National University of La Pampa
and had a history of being infested with ticks.
We can say that Hepatozoon canis is present in
dogs City General Pico clinically and clinically
incidence occurs with massive infestation of
ticks of the genus Riphicephalus sanguineus. As
important conclusion would determine disease
prevalence for action protocols to control the
hepatozoonosis and tick population.