A case study of canine trypanosomiasis in Nepal

A 11year-old mixed breed male dog was presented at a private veterinary clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal with clinical signs of high fever, staggering gait, laboured breathing, and twitching of the eyelids. Physical examination showed elevated body temperature (103.3°F), corneal opacity and pale mucous membranes. The blood report showed low haemoglobin count and packed cell volume indicating anaemia, elevated white blood cell count and reduced platelet count. Renal function was impaired, evident by increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. The case was confirmed by microscopic morphology of the parasite in a blood smear which showed the presence of numerous trypomastigotes, identified as Trypanosoma along with the blood profile, and clinical signs. Two doses of diminazene aceturate 7 days apart at the dose rate of 5mg per kg bwt. deep IM and supportive therapy were provided to the dog. The dog recovered after a week-long course of treatment.