Anaplasmosis concurrent with copper deficiency in a Salem Black kid

Abstract

Four months old Salem black kid was brought  with the history of alopecia around the face and ear. Clinical examination revealed severe alopecia on ears, face, trunk and easy epilation of hairs along with depigmentation, mild scaling in ear margins, steely appearance, pale mucosa and loss of body condition. Detailed dermatological analysis like skin scrapings and trichogram revealed negative for ectoparasites and hair growth abnormalities. Blood smear examination revealed Anaplasma ovis organisms, with blood picture of normochromic microcytic anemia. Amplified Polymerase chain reaction product found to be positive for Anaplasma ovis. Serum biochemistry revealed low level of copper (0.0598 mg/L), elevated total bilirubin (3.6 mg/dl), direct bilirubin (2.83 mg/dl), creatinine kinase (73 mg/dl) and LDH (348 U/L). Based on above findings and treatment response, the case was diagnosed as anaplasmosis in a kid with concurrent copper deficiency.