2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Antibodies against BB were detected in 7 of 24 dogs (29.2%) between 4-8 weeks post-infestation; all positive dogs were females (P = 0.0003). When positive and negative dogs were compared, there were no significant differences in the ages, number of ticks recovered, or number of fed ticks. Antibodies against AP were detected in the serum of 10 of 24 dogs (41.7%). Results using the same source of dogs, ticks, and model in previous publications were 77.8% and 55.5%% for BB and AP, respectively. The differences in infection rates between the current and historical studies were similar for AP but significantly lower in the current study for BB (P = 0.004). The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) for 6 of the 7 (86%) BB-positive dogs was either a sibling or parent. Dogs A and B were siblings and had the same father as Dog C. The mother of Dog D was the maternal grandmother of Dogs A and B. The father of Dog E was the paternal great grandfather of Dogs A, B, C. The mother of Dog F was the maternal grandmother of Dog E. The MRCA for 8 of the 17 (47.1%) BB-negative dogs was either a sibling or parent. None of the BB positive dogs had a MRCA sibling or parent in common with any of the BB negative dogs.