Comparative efficacy of once-daily versus twice-daily doxycycline regimens in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis: A randomized clinical trial
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Issued Date
2026-06-01
Resource Type
eISSN
2451943X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105036436232
Journal Title
Veterinary and Animal Science
Volume
32
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Veterinary and Animal Science Vol.32 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Taechikantaphat M., Kongchareon A., Julapanthong P., Sariya L., Sakcamduang W. Comparative efficacy of once-daily versus twice-daily doxycycline regimens in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis: A randomized clinical trial. Veterinary and Animal Science Vol.32 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.vas.2026.100661 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116420
Title
Comparative efficacy of once-daily versus twice-daily doxycycline regimens in dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis: A randomized clinical trial
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This prospective, randomized clinical trial compared the therapeutic efficacy and rate of platelet recovery of doxycycline 10 mg/kg once daily (SID) (Group A, n=17) versus 5 mg/kg twice daily (BID) (Group B, n=12) in 29 dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis . Using a "treat-to-target" protocol that mandated both molecular clearance and platelet normalization prior to cessation, results showed that while both regimens achieved 100% molecular clearance, the BID regimen demonstrated significantly more rapid hematological recovery (P < 0.05 at Days 7 and 14) and required a significantly shorter median treatment duration (28.5 days vs. 39.0 days; P = 0.015). Notably, delayed molecular clearance (>28 days) was observed exclusively in the SID group, and post-treatment recrudescence was detected in two dogs at Day 98. We conclude that the 5 mg/kg BID protocol offers superior pharmacodynamic performance, and a "treat-to-target" strategy involving long-term monitoring is recommended over a fixed 28-day course to ensure complete clinical and parasitological resolution.