Blood protozoa findings in pet dogs screened in Ipoh, Malaysia

A total of 103 blood samples from pet dogs around Ipoh were screened for common blood protozoa. A total of 14 samples were found positive for Erhlichia canis and one sample was found positive for microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis. Both these diseases are transmitted by vectors; ticks (Rhipicephalus sangiuneus) and mosquitoes respectively. In the hot and wet tropical environment where vectors are abundant, pet care, hygiene and regular screening will help veterinarians detect these infections early to facilitate treatment

Vector borne blood protozoa in pet dogs from Ipoh, Malaysia

A total of 103 pet dogs of various breeds were screened for blood protozoans by thin and thick blood smear and 15 dogs were found to harbor microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis and Erhlichia canis. Other parasites such as Leishmania, Babesia or Trypanosoma were not found indicating good tick or insect management