Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
MS Didugu, L Lokesh, R Srujan, N Keshavi Chowdary, Gautami Sarma and Dhruv Desai

Abstract:
A 10-month-old female Golden Retriever pup with 24 kg body weight was presented to Veterinary Hospital, Bhoiguda, College of Veterinary Science, P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University with history of being unable to see, walking into furniture and walls, searching for food and other things for 4 days. The owner reported previous history of tick infestation. On ophthalmic examination, there was absence of both pupillary light reflex and menace reflex. There was bilateral pupil dilation and mild lenticular opacity. Ophthalmoscopy revealed engorged, dilated retinal vessels and congestion indicating chorioretinitis. Haematology showed normocytic hypochromic anaemia and thrombocytopenia while there were elevated ALT, ALP levels in serum biochemistry. The lateral flow antibody detection test was positive for Ehrlichia canis. The dog was given doxycycline @ 5 mg/kg BW intravenously in the morning and orally in the evening for 5 days. From day-6 onwards oral doxycycline @ 5 mg/kg BW twice a day was administered for 3 weeks. Prednisolone @ 0.5 mg/kg BW was given intramuscularly for 5 days and orally for next 3 alternate days. Moxifloxacin and prednisolone combination eye drops were given 6 hourly for 2 weeks. Supportive treatment with Vitamin A, D, E intramuscular injections was given weekly once for 3 weeks along with daily oral powder with ocular supportive components and anti-oxidants. Oral haematinics, hepatic stimulants and platelet-boosters were also given for 1 month. There was gradual improvement in the vision with sluggish reflexes within 5 days. The dog recovered uneventfully with complete recovery of vision, resolution of anaemia, thrombocytopenia and normal liver enzyme levels within 21 days.