Canine Ehrlichiosis in Six Dogs with Persistently Increased Antibody Titers

Chronic ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in six dogs on the basis of increased immunofluorescent antibody titers to Ehrlichia canis. Although clinical signs varied, all six dogs were anemic, hyperglobulinemic, and an IgG monoclonal gammopathy was documented in five dogs in which serum protein electrophoreses were performed. All dogs were treated with tetracycline for at least 14 days; four dogs also received immunosuppressive drugs. Clinical signs resolved within 1 week, hematologic abnormalities resolved in 1 to 5 months, and increased globulin concentrations normalized in 1 to 15 months; however, E. canis antibody titers remained increased for 15 to 31 months after initiation of treatment. Results of this study show that increased E. canis titers can persist in dogs with ehrlichiosis for many months after clinical recovery.