Anaplasmosis in Dogs
The bacteria anaplasma phagocytophilum causes anaplasmosis, which the blacklegged deer tick can spread to humans, farm animals and dogs (this tick is also responsible for the spread of Lyme disease).
The brown dog tick is capable of spreading a different form of the disease to dogs.
Though anaplasmosis is found across the US, some areas - including the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast - are hot spots. Symptoms can be wide ranging, so knowing your pet's history and where they've been recently can help your vet diagnose the condition.
Symptoms of Anaplasmosis in Dogs
Some dogs that become infected with anaplasmosis may be asymptomatic, but when they do show signs, the most common ones are flu-like symptoms. More severe symptoms may include:
- Bloody nose
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Pain
- Cough
- Lameness
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Meningitis
- Seizures
- Ataxia
If your dog is exhibiting signs of anaplasmosis, book an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Left untreated, anaplasmosis may lead to serious health complications for your dog, including bleeding problems, organ failure and respiratory failure. In severe cases, anaplasmosis in dogs can be fatal.
How is anaplasmosis in dogs diagnosed?
Because these symptoms may be caused by many diseases, being able to remember where you dog has been and whether he or she could have come in contact with infected ticks can help your vet diagnose your pet.
When you take your dog to see the vet, provide as much information as possible to your veterinarian about where your dog may have been bitten by ticks, any symptoms they’ve exhibited and when the signs started to appear. Symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs usually appear between 2 to 4 weeks after they’ve been bitten.
Should your vet suspect that the culprit is anaplasmosis, they will complete a full physical examination to look for signs of the disease, and find any ticks that may still be on your dog.
Your dog may also need an antibody test. If he or she tests positive for the bacteria, this indicates your dog has been in contact with it (though it does not mean your dog has the disease).
How is anaplasmosis in dogs treated?
A course of antibiotics can be used to treat anaplasmosis in dogs. Most symptoms will likely improve within 24 to 48 hours after treatment is started. Some common antibiotics used to treat anaplasmosis include Minocycline, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline and Doxycycline.
Can I prevent my dog from developing anaplasmosis?
The most reliable ways to help prevent anaplasmosis include:
- Keeping your dog on tick prevention medications year-round
- Avoiding walking through areas where ticks typically hide (brush and long grass)
- Checking your dog for ticks daily so they can be effectively removed before the bacteria is transmitted
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.