Overview
retrieve a tick on your dog can be an upsetting experience . Not only are ticks disgusting to seem at , but they can alsotransmit disease . While many of us worry about Lyme disease , the truth is that ticks can transmit a number of other infection , include a bacterial infection call anaplasmosis .
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council , nearly 4 per centum of dogs within the United States quiz positive for anaplasmosis photograph in 2022 ( 1 ) .
Anaplasmosis is because of two dissimilar bacteria : Anaplasma phagocytophilumandAnaplasma platy . These two bacteria are very nearly relate , but they do slightly different clinical signal in dog-iron .
What is Anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection that is circulate by tick . There are two form of anaplasmosis , which are triggered by different bacterium and have different gadget characteristic .
Anaplasma phagocytophilumcauses the more usual form of anaplasmosis , known as detent tick fever . This contagion occurs worldwide . In the United States , pillow slip are most normally describe in the Northeast and Midwest . A. phagocytophilumis spread by cervid ticks , Western disgraceful - legged ticks , and castor bean check mark .
Anaplasma platysis a less coarse form of anaplasmosis , known as infective cyclical thrombocytopenia ( thrombocytopenia means “ lack of blood platelet ” ) . This transmission is also found worldwide . It is spread by the brown dog ticking .
Most dog that are bit by an septic tick do not uprise any clinical signs of anaplasmosis . If symptoms do take place , they typically begin one to three workweek after the insect bite of an septic tick . Although signboard of malady are uncommon , the unwellness can be severe .
WhatCausesAnaplasmosis in Dogs?
Anaplasmosis is spread by the bit of an septic tick . The check mark must eat on the domestic dog for at least 24 hours in order for the contagion to broadcast . During feeding , bacterium move from the tick ’s gut to the mouth , and are then inject into the pawl ’s parentage and tissues .
While any dog can be infected with anaplasmosis , it appear to be more common in Labrador Retrievers andGolden Retrievers . We do n’t acknowledge whether this really represent an increased susceptibility or whether these dog are just more likely to expend time in the forest with their proprietor .
AnaplasmosisSymptomsin Dogs
Asymptomatic anaplasmosis in domestic dog is common , meaning dogs may not show symptom of the disease .
Many dogs queer toAnaplasma phagocytophilumremain completely healthy , with no signs of disease . When clinical signs do occur , however , they are typically seen one to two weeks after photograph . These dogs develop a flu - similar illness , which is sometimes cite to as dog tick fever or bounder fever .
After the initial illness , flu - like mansion often settle without treatment . However , if the contagion progresses , sign of joint inflammation typically develop throughout the body . Affected dogs often limp and seeable bump of the joints may be seen .
sign associated withA. phagocytophiluminfection include :
dog infected withA. platysdevelop a unlike set of symptom , although there are some law of similarity . This bacteria attacks the platelets , which are cells within the blood that are responsible for blood clotting . Therefore , septic dogs often have job link up to abnormal bleeding .
Undiagnosed anaplasmosis in bounder can lead to significant bleeding disorderliness , which may begin to train as soon as one to two week after infection . Additionally , A. platyscan induce chronic anaplasmosis in dogs , with signs waxing and waning over time .
Signs ofA. platysinfection let in :
Diagnosing Anaplasmosis in Dogs
To diagnose anaplasmosis in dogs , your veterinarian will first perform a thoroughgoing forcible examination and obtain a consummate aesculapian account .
Next , your veterinarian is likely to commend rake tests , include a complete blood cubicle count ( CBC ) and serum biochemistry . A dog with anaplasmosis often will have a low blood platelet numeration on the CBC , as well as anemia ( decreased number of reddened profligate cells ) and variety in livid origin cells . A serum biochemistry profile may show increases in liver enzymes and protein colligate with inflammation . In some cases , the being can be learn in the bloodline with the consumption of a microscope .
If physical exam and bloodwork findings hint the possibility of a tick - wear disease , your veterinarian will perform extra trial run . Anaplasmosis is usually diagnosed using an in - star sign run . This test requires only a few drops of blood and provide exact results within 10 proceedings .
One important limitation of the examination , however , is that it does not distinguish between dynamic infection and premature photograph . A positive anaplasmosis test can be seen in any dog that has been exposed to the disease , because the test looks for the bearing of antibodies and not the bacteria itself . Dogs that screen confident for anaplasmosis only require treatment if they have clinical signs or bloodwork changes that paint a picture an combat-ready infection .
In some cases , dog-iron with one tick - borne disease ( such as anaplasmosis ) are also taint with other tick - stomach diseases ( such asLyme disease , ehrlichiosis , Rocky Mountain distinguish fever , etc . ) . The test that is ordinarily do to diagnose anaplasmosis also assesses for the bearing of Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis , but your veterinarian may recommend extra testing to screen for other tick - borne infection .
How to TreatAnaplasmosis in Dogs
As a bacterial infection , anaplasmosis handling involves antibiotic drug . Dogs typically begin to show sign of advance within 24 - 48 60 minutes of starting antibiotics . Antibiotic treatment is typically remain for one month , to maximize the likelihood of reject the infection .
In heel that are severely ill , more strong-growing tending may be needed . If your cad is desiccate , your veterinarian may recommend endovenous fluid . spartan discomfort may need to be managed with pain medicine . Dogs with very low platelet levels should be confined ( to limit the risk of wound that could leave in bleeding ) and may need blood transfusions .
Medications for Anaplasmosis
Doxycyclineis the antibiotic that is typically used to treat anaplasmosis in frump . Most dog tolerate this medicinal drug well . Like any unwritten medication , however , this drug may cause disgorgement and/or diarrhea in some ducky . GI side impression can be minimized by giving the medication with food . If doxycycline is unavailable , minocycline or Achromycin may be substituted ; these drugs have exchangeable military action and side effects .
Non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to regale joint painful sensation and swelling . These drugs should also be give with a repast , to minimize gastrointestinal effects .
All medications should be used according to your veterinary ’s statement .
General Cost of Treatment for Anaplasmosis
The monetary value of treatment for anaplasmosis in detent varies , depending primarily on the sizing of your ducky . Larger dogs need declamatory medication doses . In oecumenical , handling costs associated with anaplasmosis include :
In severe instance , hospitalisation and blood transfusion may increase the cost of handling to several thousand dollars .
How to PreventAnaplasmosis in Dogs
The practiced means to prevent anaplasmosis is to ensure that your favourite get twelvemonth - troll flea and tick prevention . It aim 24 hours of feeding for an septic ticking to channel anaplasmosis — so any effectual check mark prevention ( even oral formulations , which want the ticking to prick in ordering to drop dead ) will preclude the transmission of anaplasmosis . Talk to your veterinarian to fix the best prevention for your weenie .
If you do receive a check mark on your dog , slay it quickly . apply tweezers to grasp the check mark ’s head , as close to the skin as possible , then pull mildly . The goal is to remove the entire tick , including the head teacher . If the mind is left behind , however , there ’s no need to panic — your dog ’s body will gradually expel the tick head word within a few days .
If you drop a lot of time alfresco with your domestic dog , verify to regularly check your dog for tick before entering your abode .
