Haemobiochemical Alterations Associated with Haemoparasitic Infections in Dogs in Jos North, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Dogs in Nigeria are commonly affected by haemoparasitic infections. These infections are mainly transmitted by ticks and cause significant illness. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of blood parasites on the haemobiochemical parameters in dogs in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Materials and methods: Forty dogs from three different veterinary clinics in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria, were examined. Dogs were grouped by sex (male and female), age (puppies under 6 months, young dogs 6-24 months, adults over 24 months), and breed, such as Nigerian indigenous breeds (NIBD) and exotic breeds. The study lasted for 10 months. Blood samples from all dogs were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. Giemsa-stained smears were examined under a light microscope to identify haemoparasites. Haematological parameters and serum biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine, liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase), bilirubin, and electrolytes, were assessed. Haemobiochemical evaluations were conducted on the same day as sample collection.
Results: The present study found a high prevalence of haemoparasites (77.5%) among the 40 dogs examined in Jos North, with Babesia spp. being the most prevalent (52.5%), followed by Anaplasma platys (20%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (20%), and Hepatozoon canis (5%). Infected dogs with these parasites demonstrated significant haematological alterations, including anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphopenia, with puppies (12.5%) and NIBD (20%) most severely affected. Inflammatory changes such as neutrophilia and leukocytosis were common and varied among breeds. Biochemical changes included elevated urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in puppies and NIBD. The mineral alterations, specifically Na, Cl, Ca, HCO3, and phosphorus, exhibited significant variation based on age (puppies) and breed (NIBD), but demonstrated no significant difference concerning sex.
Conclusion: The current results provided essential baseline data to improve the diagnosis, management, and control of haemoparasitic infections, ultimately supporting stronger canine health and welfare in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Biochemical abnormalities, such as elevated urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, and bilirubin levels, indicated hepatic and renal involvement, as well as significant electrolyte disturbances associated with haemoparasite infection.