Abstract:
Canine vector-borne diseases are a significant health concern in tropical regions,
with domestic dogs serving as both hosts and reservoirs for various haemoparasitic
infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of haemoparasites and
assess their impact on hematological parameters of dogs. A total of 117 dogs presented
to veterinary clinics in Matara town, Dickwella, Hakmana, and Akuressa
were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed
for red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts using standard
hemocytometer methods. Blood smears and buffy coat preparations were
stained with Giemsa for microscopic detection of haemoparasites, while microfilariae
were identified using a modified Knott’s test. Results showed a marked
decrease in RBC counts (2.85 ×106/μL) and significant elevations in WBC (72.33
×103/μL, p > 0.05) and platelet counts (9114.11 ×103/μL), indicating strong
inflammatory and immune responses. Haemoparasite analysis revealed that nematode
parasites, Dirofilaria spp. (38.72%; n=3095) and unidentified microfilariae
(21.03%; n=1681), were the most prevalent and cause dirofilariasis in dogs.
Protozoan parasites such as Babesia spp. (36.93%; n=2954) and Hepatozoon spp.
(2.24%; n=179) that cause destruction of RBC were moderately common. Among
the dogs examined, 81 were infected with at least one haemoparasite, with single
infections predominating (42.24%) and multiple infections being rare.
