Tick-borne diseases like Anaplasmosis can pose a serious health risk for people, pets and farm animals across the country. Today our New Hope vets share the symptoms of Anaplasmosis in dogs and how this potentially serious condition is treated.
Anaplasmosis In Dogs
Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is spread via the bite of an infected black-legged tick deer tick (also responsible for spreading Lyme disease) or brown dog tick. This potentially serious condition can be found across the US but higher rates of the disease are reported in the Midwest, West Coast and Northeast.
Symptoms Of Anaplasmosis In Dogs
Some dogs with anaplasmosis may show no symptoms, but when signs of the disease do manifest, the most common ones are similar to severe flu symptoms. If your dog has anaplasmosis you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody nose
- Lameness
- Joint pain
- diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Meningitis
- Ataxia (impaired movement)
- Chills
Does Anaplasmosis Resolve Itself In Dogs?
It is important to take your dog to the vet for an examination if they are showing any of the symptoms listed above. Left untreated Anaplasmosis can result in serious health complications for your dog including respiratory failure, organ failure, and bleeding problems. In very severe cases Anaplasmosis in dogs can be fatal.
Diagnosis Of Anaplasmosis In Dogs
Diagnosing Ananplasmosis can be tricky because the symptoms of this condition are somewhat vague and could be related to a variety of other diseases. Knowing where your dog has been and whether they have come in contact with infected ticks can help your veterinarian with an accurate diagnosis.
Give your veterinarian as much information as possible regarding where your dog may have been in contact with the ticks, the symptoms your dog is experiencing, and when the symptoms first began. The first symptoms of Anaplasmosis will typically appear in dogs between 2 - 4 weeks after being infected from a tick bite.
If your veterinarian believes that your dog could be infected with Anaplasmosis, they will perform a full physical exam to look for signs of the disease, and any ticks that may be living on your pet. Your veterinarian could also run an antibody test to determine if your dog tests positive for the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria.
Treatment Of Anaplasmosis In Dogs
Anaplasmosis in dogs can be treated with a course of an antibiotic such as Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline, or Chloramphenicol. Most dogs show an improvement within 24- 48 hours after beginning the antibiotic treatment.
Preventing Anaplasmosis In Dogs
One of the most reliable ways to help prevent Anaplasmosis in dogs is by keeping your pet on tick prevention meds year-round. You can also help your dog to avoid contracting tick-borne diseases by keeping your pup away from areas where ticks are most likely to be hiding (long grass and brush), and checking your dog daily for ticks so that they can be removed before transmission occurs.
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.