What is Anaplasmosis in dogs?
Anaplasmosis is caused by a bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It is spread by biting an infected black-legged tick, deer tick (also responsible for the spread of Lyme disease), or brown dog tick. This potentially serious condition can be found across the US, but higher disease rates are reported in the Midwest, West Coast, and Northeast.
What are the symptoms of asymptomatic Anaplasmosis?
Although some dogs with Anaplasmosis may not show symptoms, the most common signs are similar to severe flu. If your dog has Anaplasmosis, you may observe 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
- Chills
Does Anaplasmosis go away in dogs?
If your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to take it to the vet for an exam.
Anaplasmosis is treatable, but if left undiagnosed, it can cause serious complications for your dog's health, including respiratory failure, bleeding issues, and organ problems. In severe cases, anaplasmosis may even be fatal for our canine companions.
How is Anaplasmosis diagnosed in dogs?
Diagnosing Anaplasmosis can be tricky since its symptoms are vague and could be associated with various other diseases. Knowing where your dog has been and whether it may have come in contact with infected ticks can help your veterinarian with diagnosis.
Provide your veterinarian with as much information as possible regarding where your dog may have been in contact with the ticks, the symptoms your dog is displaying, and when the symptoms began. The first symptoms of Anaplasmosis typically appear in dogs between two to four weeks after being bitten by an infected tick.
Suppose your veterinarian believes your dog could be infected with Anaplasmosis. In that case, they will perform a complete physical exam to look for signs of the disease and any ticks that may be living on your pet. Your vet may also run an antibody test to determine if your dog tests positive for the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria.
What is the treatment for Anaplasmosis in dogs?
Anaplasmosis in dogs can be treated with antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline, or Chloramphenicol. Most dogs show improvement within 24-48 hours of starting the antibiotic treatment.
Can I prevent my dog from developing Anaplasmosis?
The most reliable way to prevent anaplasmosis in dogs is by keeping your pet on tick-prevention medication throughout the year. You can also help your dog avoid contracting diseases carried by ticks by keeping them away from areas where ticks thrive.
We also recommend checking your dog daily for ticks so they can be removed before any disease 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.