Pathogenesis, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of Rangelia vitalii infection in 35 dogs (1985-2009)

Fighera R. A., Souza T. M., Kommers G., Irigoyen L. F. & Barros C. S. L. 2010. [Pathogenesis, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of Rangelia vitalii infection in 35 dogs (1985-2009).] Patogenese e achados clinicos, hematologicos e anatomopatologicos da infeccao por Rangelia vitalii em 35 caes (1985-2009). Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 30(11):974-987. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus Universitario, Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: anemiaveterinaria@yahoo.com.br The pathogenesis, clinical, hematological and pathological features of the natural infection by the protozoan organism Rangelia vitalii (canine rangeliosis) was studied in 35 dogs that died due this condition. The results allow for the following set of conclusions on canine rangeliosis: (1) causes an exclusively extravascular immune mediated hemolysis; (2) is invariably associated with some degree of hemorrhage observed at necropsy, but no always clinically apparent; (3) the clinical signs that are the hallmark of the disease are anemia, icterus and splenomegaly; (4) the main hematological aspect that establishes a clinical suspect is the development of anemia with signs of intense erythroid regeneration; (5) the three main differential diagnosis are leptospirosis, babesiosis and e acute monocytotropic ehrlichiosis; (6) the main observed histopathological lesion is an association of lymphoid hyperplasia with mononuclear inflammatory reaction, predominantly plasmacytic, but occasionally granulomatous; (7) other frequently found lesions are secondary to a marked regenerative anemia; (8) large numbers of the etiologic agent can be easily demonstrate in most tissues, mainly in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, heart, and tonsils.