Research Article
Hematological Profiles of Dogs with Hemoparasitic Infections at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Sokoto (2018–2021)
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-5
Received:
13 January 2026
Accepted:
23 January 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijbbmb.20261101.11
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Abstract: Hemoparasitic infections remain an important cause of morbidity in dogs, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where tick vectors are prevalent. Canine hemoparasites such as Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis invade blood cells and can induce significant hematological disturbances, leading to anemia, immunosuppression, and, in severe cases, death. Early identification of characteristic hematological alterations during routine laboratory evaluation is therefore critical for accurate diagnosis and effective clinical management of affected animals. The present study aimed to determine the hematological alterations associated with hemoparasitic infections in dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, over a four-year period. A retrospective review of clinical case records from January 2018 to December 2021 was conducted. Data from 230 dogs presented to the hospital during this period were examined, and cases with confirmed hemoparasitic infections were identified. Hematological parameters were extracted from complete blood count (CBC) records of infected dogs and evaluated to assess alterations associated with babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. Out of the 230 cases reviewed, 19 dogs were diagnosed with hemoparasitic infections, predominantly babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. Analysis of hematological findings revealed that affected dogs commonly exhibited anemia, characterized by reduced packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration. Additionally, eosinopenia was a consistent finding among infected cases, reflecting alterations in immune response associated with these infections. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are associated with notable hematological changes, particularly anemia and eosinopenia. These findings underscore the diagnostic value of routine hematological examination in dogs presenting with clinical signs suggestive of hemoparasitic infections and highlight the importance of early laboratory screening in veterinary practice.
Abstract: Hemoparasitic infections remain an important cause of morbidity in dogs, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where tick vectors are prevalent. Canine hemoparasites such as Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis invade blood cells and can induce significant hematological disturbances, leading to anemia, immunosuppression, and, in severe case...
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,
Dahiru Ashiru*
