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Abstract
This study was conducted from May 2023 to October 2024 at veterinary clinics in Tien Giang, Long An, and Ben Tre provinces to investigate the prevalence of Hepatozoon canis (H.canis) infection and evaluate the efficacy of treatment regimens in dogs. A total of 7572 dogs were examined using clinical evaluation, hematological testing, and Giemsa-stained blood smears. The results showed that 4,21% (321/7572) of the dogs were infected with H. canis. The infection frequency of disease was significantly associated with age, housing conditions, and ectoparasite prevention, but not with breed or sex of dog. Dogs aged 1–5 years showed a higher prevalence (5,02%) compared to those aged under 1 year (1,88%) or over 5 years (2,99%). Common clinical signs in infected dogs included lethargy (92.21%), anorexia (63.55%), fever (62.62%), tachycardia (59.19%), dyspnea (47.04%), and subcutaneous hemorrhages (14.64%). Impaired mobility (64.80%) and ocular lesions (15.89%) were also frequently observed. Hematological findings revealed characteristic abnormalities such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis. The combined treatment regimen of imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline was more effective than imidocarb alone, with cure rates of 90.63% and 84.34%, respectively. This study not only provides an overview of the H. canis infection status in the Mekong Delta region, but also contributes scientific evidence to support improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for canine hepatozoonosis, thereby enhancing companion animal healthcare and guiding appropriate veterinary interventions in clinical practice.
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How to Cite
Tran Van Len, Tran Thi Bao Tran, Bui Thi Kim Dung, & Nguyen Thi Yen Mai. (2025). Prevalence of Hepatozoon canis and evaluation of treatment efficacy in dogs at veterinary clinics in Tien Giang, Long An, and Ben Tre provinces. E-Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 9(2), 4877–4889. https://doi.org/10.46826/huaf-jasat.v9n2y2025.1271
Section
ANIMAL SCIENCE - VETERINARY MEDICINE - FISHERIES - ANIMALS
Copyright @ 2017-2025 by E-Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
References
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Baneth, G. (2011). Perspectives on canine and feline hepatozoonosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 181(1), 3-11. DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.015.
Chisu, V., Giua, L., Bianco, P., Masala, G., Sechi, S., Cocco, R. & Piredda, I. (2023). Molecular survey of Hepatozoon canis infection in domestic dogs from Sardinia, Italy. Veterinary Sciences, 10 (11), 640. DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110640.
De Tommasi, A. S., Giannelli, A., de Caprariis, D., Ramos, R. A., Di Paola, G., Crescenzo, G., Dantas-Torres, F., Baneth, G. & Otranto, D. (2014). Failure of imidocarb dipropionate and toltrazuril/emodepside plus clindamycin in treating Hepatozoon canis infection. Veterinary Parasitology, 200(3-4), 242-5. DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.013.
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Hasani, S. J., Rakhshanpour, A., Enferadi, A., Sarani, S., Samiei, A. & Esmaeilnejad, B. (2024). A review of Hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis in dogs. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 48(3), 424-438. DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01682-2.
Harrus, S., Waner, T., Keysary, A., Aroch, I., Voet, H., & Bark, H. (1998). Investigation of splenic functions in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Veterinary Immunology And Immunopathology, 62(1), 15–27.
Hegab, A. A., Omar, H. M., Abuowarda, M., Ghattas, S. G., Mahmoud, N. E. & Fahmy, M. M. (2022). Screening and phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in a population of dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. Parasites & Vectors, 15(1), 222. DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05348-x.
Jitendra, T., Pooja, S., Sumnil, M. & Kachhawa, J. P. (2022). Combination therapy with imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline to clear infection of Hepatozoon canis in dog. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(7), 1510-1511.
Kamani, J., Baneth, G., Mumcuoglu, K. Y., Waziri, N. E., Eyal, O., Guthmann, Y., & Harrus, S. (2013). Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks from Nigeria. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 7(3), e2108. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002108.
Kopparthi, J., Chennuru, S., Rayulu Vukka, C., Nalini Kumari K. & Rani Prameela D. (2023) Co-infections of major tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Andhra Pradesh, South India. Veterinary Research Forum, 14(5), 295-299. DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2022.546812.3351.
Kumar, T., Niddhi, A. & Rajora, V. S. (2012). Hepatozoonosis and its therapeutic management in a dog. Intas Polivet; 13(1), 138-139.
McClure, J. C., Crothers, M. L., Schaefer, J. J., Stanley, P. D., Needham, G. R., Ewing, S. A., & Stich, R. W. (2010). Efficacy of a doxycycline treatment regimen initiated during three different phases of experimental ehrlichiosis. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 54(12), 5012–5020.
Mondal M., Maity, A., Mandal, D., Jana, P. S., Roy, M., Pakhira, M. C., Mridha, F., Soren, A., Raj, R. & Kumar, K. (2021). Diagnosis and therapeutic management of hepatozoonosis in dog. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 10(08), 550-555. DOI: 10.20546/ijcmas.2021.1008.065.
Mundim, A.V., Morais, I. A., Tavares, M., Cury, M. C. & Mundim, M. J. (2008). Clinical and hematological signs associated with dogs naturally infected by Hepatozoon sp. and with other hematozoa: a retrospective study in Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Veterinary Parasitology, 153(1-2), 3–8.
Neeraj, T., Chethan, G. E., Akhilesh, Aishwarya, L., Priyanka, K., Munazah, S., Rajesh, J. B., Mahendran, K., De, U. K. & Banerjee, P. S. (2018). Therapeutic management of Hepatozoon canis induced acute hepatitis in a dog. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 6(4), 1037-1039.
Oliveira, L. V. S. d., Oliveira, R. R. A. d., Alcântara, É. T. d., Álvares, F. B. V., Feitosa, T. F., Brasil, A. W. d. L., & Vilela, V. L. R. (2021). Hematological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of Hepatozoon canis infection by parasitological detection in dogs from the rural area of Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil. Ciência Rural, 51(3). DOI: 10.1590/0103-8478cr20200233.
Pacifico, L., Braff, J., Buono, F., Beall, M., Neola B, Buch, J., Sgroi, G., Piantedosi, D., Santoro, M., Tyrrell, P., Fioretti, A., Breitschwerdt, E. B., Chandrashekar & R., Veneziano, V. (2020). Hepatozoon canis in hunting dogs from Southern Italy: distribution and risk factors. Parasitology Research, 119(9),3023-3031. DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06820-2.
Paiz, L. M., Silva, R. C., Satake, F. & Fraga, T. L. (2016). Hematological disorders detected in dogs infected by Hepatozoon canis in a municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Brazilian Archive of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, 68(5), 1187-1194. DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-8350.
Pasa, S., Voyvoda, H., Karagenc, T., Atasoy, A., & Gazyagc, I. S. (2011). Failure of combination therapy with imidocarb dipropionate and toltrazuril to clear Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs. Parasitology Research, 109(3), 919-926. DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2334-3.
Piratae, S., Pimpjong, K., Vaisusuk, K. & Chatan, W. (2015). Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia canis vogeli in stray dogs in Mahasarakham province, Thailand. Annals of Parasitology, 61(3), 183-7. DOI : 10.17420/ap6103.05.
Okada, M., Guo, P., Nalder, S. A., & Sigala, P. A. (2020). Doxycycline has distinct apicoplast-specific mechanisms of antimalarial activity. Elife, 9, e60246. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.60246.
Otranto, D., Dantas-Torres, F., Weigl S., Latrofa, M. S., Stanneck. D. & de Caprariis D. (2011). Diagnosis of Hepatozoon canis in young dogs by cytology and PCR. Parasites & Vectors, 4, 55.
Sarma, K., Mondal, D.B., Saravanan, M., Kumar, M. & Mahendran, K. (2012). Haemato-biochemical changes in Hepatozoon canis infected dog before and after therapeutic management. Journal of Veterinary Parasitology, 26(1), 35-38.
Ramírez-Alvarado, A. R., Rueda-García, V., Rondón-Barragán, I. S. (2024). Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Ibagué, Tolima. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 86(6), 612-618. DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0035.
Salakij, C., Salakij, J., Rochanapat, N., Suthunmapinunta, P., & Nunklang, G. (1999). Hematological characteristics of blood parasite infected dogs. Agriculture and Natural Resources, 33(4), 589–600.
Sarma, K., Mondal, D.B., Saravanan, M., Kumar, M. & Mahendran, K. (2012). Haemato-biochemical changes in Hepatozoon canis-infected dog before and after therapeutic management. Journal of Veterinary Parasitology, 26(1), 35–38.
Sorawat, T., Chethanond, U. S. A., Siriwat, W., Vannarat, S.,Wichaya, T. & Tipayaratn, M. (2020). Hematological profile of blood parasitic infected dogs in Southern Thailand. Veterinary World, 13(11), 2388-2394. DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2388-2394.
Suryawanshi, A., Gaikawad, R., Galdhar, C. N, & Patil, J. U. (2024). Hepatozoon Canis in Labrador Dog with Azotaemia and its Therapeutic Management. Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 44(1), 43-45. DOI: 10.56093/ijvm.v44i1.150512
Tazawa, K., Poolsawat, N., Gibson, A. D., Gamble, L., King, A. & Anuracpreeda, P. (2022). First study on molecular detection of three major canine tick-borne pathogens in subclinically infected dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Veterinary World, 15(4), 1121-1128. DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1121-1128.
Torres, F. D., (2008). The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae): From taxonomy to control. Veterinary Parasitology, 152(3-4), 173-185.
Baneth, G. (2006). Hepatozoonosis. In C.E. Greene (Ed.), Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat (3rd ed., pp. 698–705). Saunders W. B., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Baneth, G. (2011). Perspectives on canine and feline hepatozoonosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 181(1), 3-11. DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.015.
Chisu, V., Giua, L., Bianco, P., Masala, G., Sechi, S., Cocco, R. & Piredda, I. (2023). Molecular survey of Hepatozoon canis infection in domestic dogs from Sardinia, Italy. Veterinary Sciences, 10 (11), 640. DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110640.
De Tommasi, A. S., Giannelli, A., de Caprariis, D., Ramos, R. A., Di Paola, G., Crescenzo, G., Dantas-Torres, F., Baneth, G. & Otranto, D. (2014). Failure of imidocarb dipropionate and toltrazuril/emodepside plus clindamycin in treating Hepatozoon canis infection. Veterinary Parasitology, 200(3-4), 242-5. DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.013.
Duncan, J. R., Prasse, K. W. & Mahaffey, E. A. (1994). Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology (3rd ed., p. 300). The Iowa State University Press.
Hasani, S. J., Rakhshanpour, A., Enferadi, A., Sarani, S., Samiei, A. & Esmaeilnejad, B. (2024). A review of Hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis in dogs. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 48(3), 424-438. DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01682-2.
Harrus, S., Waner, T., Keysary, A., Aroch, I., Voet, H., & Bark, H. (1998). Investigation of splenic functions in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Veterinary Immunology And Immunopathology, 62(1), 15–27.
Hegab, A. A., Omar, H. M., Abuowarda, M., Ghattas, S. G., Mahmoud, N. E. & Fahmy, M. M. (2022). Screening and phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in a population of dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. Parasites & Vectors, 15(1), 222. DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05348-x.
Jitendra, T., Pooja, S., Sumnil, M. & Kachhawa, J. P. (2022). Combination therapy with imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline to clear infection of Hepatozoon canis in dog. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(7), 1510-1511.
Kamani, J., Baneth, G., Mumcuoglu, K. Y., Waziri, N. E., Eyal, O., Guthmann, Y., & Harrus, S. (2013). Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks from Nigeria. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 7(3), e2108. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002108.
Kopparthi, J., Chennuru, S., Rayulu Vukka, C., Nalini Kumari K. & Rani Prameela D. (2023) Co-infections of major tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Andhra Pradesh, South India. Veterinary Research Forum, 14(5), 295-299. DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2022.546812.3351.
Kumar, T., Niddhi, A. & Rajora, V. S. (2012). Hepatozoonosis and its therapeutic management in a dog. Intas Polivet; 13(1), 138-139.
McClure, J. C., Crothers, M. L., Schaefer, J. J., Stanley, P. D., Needham, G. R., Ewing, S. A., & Stich, R. W. (2010). Efficacy of a doxycycline treatment regimen initiated during three different phases of experimental ehrlichiosis. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 54(12), 5012–5020.
Mondal M., Maity, A., Mandal, D., Jana, P. S., Roy, M., Pakhira, M. C., Mridha, F., Soren, A., Raj, R. & Kumar, K. (2021). Diagnosis and therapeutic management of hepatozoonosis in dog. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 10(08), 550-555. DOI: 10.20546/ijcmas.2021.1008.065.
Mundim, A.V., Morais, I. A., Tavares, M., Cury, M. C. & Mundim, M. J. (2008). Clinical and hematological signs associated with dogs naturally infected by Hepatozoon sp. and with other hematozoa: a retrospective study in Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Veterinary Parasitology, 153(1-2), 3–8.
Neeraj, T., Chethan, G. E., Akhilesh, Aishwarya, L., Priyanka, K., Munazah, S., Rajesh, J. B., Mahendran, K., De, U. K. & Banerjee, P. S. (2018). Therapeutic management of Hepatozoon canis induced acute hepatitis in a dog. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 6(4), 1037-1039.
Oliveira, L. V. S. d., Oliveira, R. R. A. d., Alcântara, É. T. d., Álvares, F. B. V., Feitosa, T. F., Brasil, A. W. d. L., & Vilela, V. L. R. (2021). Hematological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of Hepatozoon canis infection by parasitological detection in dogs from the rural area of Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil. Ciência Rural, 51(3). DOI: 10.1590/0103-8478cr20200233.
Pacifico, L., Braff, J., Buono, F., Beall, M., Neola B, Buch, J., Sgroi, G., Piantedosi, D., Santoro, M., Tyrrell, P., Fioretti, A., Breitschwerdt, E. B., Chandrashekar & R., Veneziano, V. (2020). Hepatozoon canis in hunting dogs from Southern Italy: distribution and risk factors. Parasitology Research, 119(9),3023-3031. DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06820-2.
Paiz, L. M., Silva, R. C., Satake, F. & Fraga, T. L. (2016). Hematological disorders detected in dogs infected by Hepatozoon canis in a municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Brazilian Archive of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, 68(5), 1187-1194. DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-8350.
Pasa, S., Voyvoda, H., Karagenc, T., Atasoy, A., & Gazyagc, I. S. (2011). Failure of combination therapy with imidocarb dipropionate and toltrazuril to clear Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs. Parasitology Research, 109(3), 919-926. DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2334-3.
Piratae, S., Pimpjong, K., Vaisusuk, K. & Chatan, W. (2015). Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Babesia canis vogeli in stray dogs in Mahasarakham province, Thailand. Annals of Parasitology, 61(3), 183-7. DOI : 10.17420/ap6103.05.
Okada, M., Guo, P., Nalder, S. A., & Sigala, P. A. (2020). Doxycycline has distinct apicoplast-specific mechanisms of antimalarial activity. Elife, 9, e60246. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.60246.
Otranto, D., Dantas-Torres, F., Weigl S., Latrofa, M. S., Stanneck. D. & de Caprariis D. (2011). Diagnosis of Hepatozoon canis in young dogs by cytology and PCR. Parasites & Vectors, 4, 55.
Sarma, K., Mondal, D.B., Saravanan, M., Kumar, M. & Mahendran, K. (2012). Haemato-biochemical changes in Hepatozoon canis infected dog before and after therapeutic management. Journal of Veterinary Parasitology, 26(1), 35-38.
Ramírez-Alvarado, A. R., Rueda-García, V., Rondón-Barragán, I. S. (2024). Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Ibagué, Tolima. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 86(6), 612-618. DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0035.
Salakij, C., Salakij, J., Rochanapat, N., Suthunmapinunta, P., & Nunklang, G. (1999). Hematological characteristics of blood parasite infected dogs. Agriculture and Natural Resources, 33(4), 589–600.
Sarma, K., Mondal, D.B., Saravanan, M., Kumar, M. & Mahendran, K. (2012). Haemato-biochemical changes in Hepatozoon canis-infected dog before and after therapeutic management. Journal of Veterinary Parasitology, 26(1), 35–38.
Sorawat, T., Chethanond, U. S. A., Siriwat, W., Vannarat, S.,Wichaya, T. & Tipayaratn, M. (2020). Hematological profile of blood parasitic infected dogs in Southern Thailand. Veterinary World, 13(11), 2388-2394. DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2388-2394.
Suryawanshi, A., Gaikawad, R., Galdhar, C. N, & Patil, J. U. (2024). Hepatozoon Canis in Labrador Dog with Azotaemia and its Therapeutic Management. Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 44(1), 43-45. DOI: 10.56093/ijvm.v44i1.150512
Tazawa, K., Poolsawat, N., Gibson, A. D., Gamble, L., King, A. & Anuracpreeda, P. (2022). First study on molecular detection of three major canine tick-borne pathogens in subclinically infected dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Veterinary World, 15(4), 1121-1128. DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1121-1128.
Torres, F. D., (2008). The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae): From taxonomy to control. Veterinary Parasitology, 152(3-4), 173-185.