CANINE EHRLICHIA DETECTION, PCR

Description

Canine Ehrlichia Detection PCR Test – Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

The Canine Ehrlichia Detection PCR Test is a highly accurate molecular diagnostic test that detects Ehrlichia canis — the causative agent of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) — in dogs’ blood samples. Ehrlichiosis is one of the most common and serious tick-borne diseases in dogs in India, transmitted primarily by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).

At Home Petcare, powered by Diagnopet, offers at-home EDTA blood sample collection for the Canine Ehrlichia PCR test across Hyderabad, enabling accurate and timely diagnosis without clinic stress.

What Is Ehrlichia canis?

Ehrlichia canis is an intracellular rickettsial bacterium that infects monocytes and macrophages in dogs. It causes a multisystemic illness presenting in three phases:

• Acute Phase (1–4 weeks): Fever, depression, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, and mild thrombocytopenia.
• Subclinical Phase (months to years): Dog appears healthy but remains infected and thrombocytopenic; may progress if untreated.
• Chronic Phase: Severe pancytopenia, bleeding tendencies, weight loss, and potentially fatal bone marrow suppression.

Why PCR Over Conventional Tests?

• Earlier Detection: PCR can detect E. canis DNA as early as 4–10 days post-infection, before antibody responses develop (serology may be negative in the early acute phase).
• High Accuracy: Real-Time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene is highly specific and sensitive — significantly more so than blood smear microscopy.
• Subclinical & Chronic Stages: PCR is especially valuable in subclinical dogs with low-grade rickettsemia where smear examination fails.
• Treatment Monitoring: PCR confirms pathogen clearance post-doxycycline therapy.

When Is This Test Recommended?

• Dogs with fever, lethargy, inappetence, or weight loss
• Dogs with unexplained thrombocytopenia (low platelets on CBC)
• Dogs with history of tick infestation or exposure to tick-endemic areas
• Dogs with bleeding tendencies (petechiae, epistaxis)
• Post-tick-treatment monitoring in dogs previously diagnosed with ehrlichiosis
• Screening in multi-dog households or kennels where tick fever is suspected

Sample Type

EDTA Blood – Collected at your home in Hyderabad by our trained veterinary professionals.

Clinical Significance

Ehrlichiosis is highly prevalent in India — particularly in urban dogs exposed to ticks in Hyderabad. PCR-based detection enables early and accurate diagnosis, allowing prompt initiation of doxycycline therapy and significantly improving recovery outcomes. Delayed diagnosis can lead to chronic, life-threatening disease.

Report Delivery

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