This study addresses a concerning issue observed by veterinarians and experts in vector-borne diseases: an increase in severe, sometimes fatal bleeding during routine spay/neuter surgeries in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis, a common tick-borne pathogen. The specific biological and molecular reasons behind why some dogs experience excessive bleeding while others do not remain unclear.

To tackle this knowledge gap, the researchers propose a pilot investigation using a method called comparative transcriptomics, which examines the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by an organism’s genome. The study aims to uncover changes in gene expression in infected dogs with and without perioperative bleeding. Researchers hypothesize that there will be significant differences in transcriptome profiles between clinically normal dogs experiencing high versus low levels of bleeding during surgery.

By analyzing these differences in gene expression, the researchers hope to identify the biological pathways and mechanisms affected by the infection during surgery. Ultimately, the goal is to discover diagnostic markers and potential treatments that can improve surgical outcomes and prevent deaths in E. canis-infected dogs undergoing surgery. This important research has the potential to enhance the management of this serious disease in canine populations globally.