2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

We conclude that Bartonella spp. exposures may occur throughout North America and may be seen at any time of year. Dogs exposed to other CVBD, male intact dogs, and mixed breed dogs are at higher risk for Bartonella exposure. Fleas and multiple tick species are proposed vectors for canine bartonellosis; our seroepidemiological analyses suggest that there may be multiple vectors for Bartonella infection in dogs, or that the major vector may depend on local geographic, environmental, or host factors. A 4-week course of doxycycline is the recommended treatment for Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs. Although some studies report clearance of the infection after antibiotic therapy, others have documented persistent infection even after treatment. Therefore, concerns for recrudescence of disease arise when an immunosuppressive drug for treatment of an immune mediated disease in a dog previously infected with E. canis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether administration of prednisolone and cyclosporine at a standard dose would induce clinical or laboratory evidence of reactivated E. canis in dogs previously treated for the infection.