Resolution of pancytopenia in a dog infected with Bartonella rochalimae in association with antibiotic therapy

Fever, non‐regenerative anaemia and leukopenia were documented in a 7‐year‐old, entire, male Akita Inu dog. The serum biochemistry and urinalysis were unremarkable. Tests for infectious agents were negative, except for SNAP 4Dx seropositive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum or A. platys . PCR for Anaplasma spp. was negative. There was mild improvement after initial administration of doxycycline; however, pancytopenia developed after 1 month. Echocardiography showed a mild thickening of the aortic and pulmonary valves. Bone marrow cytology showed an erythroid and myeloid hypoplasia. Blood culture was negative, but PCR of peripheral blood was positive for Bartonella rochalimae . Amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid plus enrofloxacin was started, and 5 days later, the condition improved. Pancytopenia associated with B. rochalimae was diagnosed. The treatment was continued for 10 months. Progressive improvement in haematological parameters was observed, and both antibiotics were discontinued after 10 months, when Bartonella PCR in peripheral blood became negative. The dog remains stable to date.