Journal of Applied Veterinary Science and Technology
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): October 2026

Case Report of Ehrlichiosis and Cystitis in a Siberian Husky Mix Puppy

Steven Adrianto (Program Study of Professional Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University)
Sri Kayati Widyastuti (Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University)
Putu Devi Jayanti (Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Diagnostic, Pathology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Oct 2026

Abstract

Background: Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne systemic infectious disease that causes multisystemic dysfunction, notably hematological alterations leading to pancytopenia during the chronic phase. Resulting immunosuppressive state increases host susceptibility to secondary opportunistic infections, including cystitis. Purpose: This case report aims to describe the clinical findings, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic management of chronic ehrlichiosis complicated by secondary cystitis in a 5 month old male mixed breed Siberian Husky puppy. Case (s): A 5.6 kg puppy presented with clinical signs of dysuria, hematuria, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Macroscopic urinalysis appeared unremarkable, but microscopic examination revealed pyuria, and urine dipstick testing confirmed cystitis. Ultrasonographic examination demonstrated thickening of the urinary bladder wall to 3.86 mm. Complete blood count confirmed pancytopenia characterized by leukopenia (3.77 × 10³/μL), granulocytopenia (0.65 × 10³/μL), anemia (3.41 × 10⁶/μL), and severe thrombocytopenia (23 × 10³/μL). The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis was confirmed by a rapid blood parasite test kit positive for Ehrlichia sp. Case Management: Cystitis was managed with amoxicillin (15 mg/kg BW PO q12h for 7 days), dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg BW PO q24h for 3 days), vitamin B-complex supplementation (1 tablet/day for 7 days), and a urinary tract supplement (2 tablets/day for 5 days). Ehrlichia sp. infection was treated with doxycycline (10 mg/kg BW PO q24h for 28 days). Post treatment evaluation revealed clinical resolution of urinary signs; however, hematology showed persistent granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Chronic ehrlichiosis can compromise immune function and predispose dogs to opportunistic urinary tract infections. Clinical improvement may precede complete hematological normalization, highlighting the importance of extended post-treatment clinical and hematological monitoring.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JAVEST

Publisher

Subject

Veterinary

Description

The scope of this journal is all about Veterinary Science and Technology field such as Animal Nutrition, Applied Veterinary Reproduction, Applied Veterinary Parasitology, Applied Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Public Health, Applied Veterinary Clinic. Journal of Applied Veterinary Science and ...