Prevalence of Dirofilariasis, Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis in Dogs in Afyonkarahisar

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dirofilariasis, Lyme, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis in sheltered dogs in Afyonkarahisar. 
 Methods: The data were obtained and evaluated from 400 dogs (female, n = 246; male, n = 154) of different breeds and at different ages that were referred to Afyon Kocatepe University Animal Hospital. Accordingly, ovariohysterectomy (n = 196), castration (n = 113), skin disease (n = 113), diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue and anorexia (n = 37), lameness (n = 13), transmissible venereal tumor (n = 9), ascites (n = 2), pregnancy diagnosis (n = 2), mammary tumor (n = 1) and conjunctivitis (n = 1) were determined in dogs. Blood samples of dogs were taken to hematology and biochemistry after the first clinical examination of dogs. SNAP 4Dx (Idexx) Quick test kit was used to diagnose dirofilariasis, Lyme, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. 
 Result: The prevalence of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, dirofilariasis, and Lyme was 1.25%, 0.75%, 0.75%, and 0%, respectively. Although the prevalence of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and dirofilariasis is low, the results of the study suggested that these zoonotic diseases should still be evaluated as a risk factor for both humans and animals which live in this region as the disease spreads through vectors