Parasites are always causing trouble. They can easily reach our dogs, bringing with them the multitude of diseases they can transmit. One of the most common ones is the brown dog tick, capable of transmitting the deadly ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is a serious tick-borne disease that affects dogs worldwide. As previously mentioned, it is caused by the brown dog tick, also known as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This happens when they bite dogs.
In this blog, we’ll talk all about ehrlichiosis in dogs and share the ways it’s treated, diagnosed, and prevented.
How Do Dogs Get Ehrlichiosis?
Ehrlichiosis is caused by bacteria from the genus Ehrlichia. The primary species responsible for this disease in dogs is Ehrlichia canis. These bacteria are intracellular organisms, meaning they invade and live within the white blood cells of their host, disrupting the immune system and causing health issues.
The brown dog tick is the main culprit behind the transmission of Ehrlichia bacteria. When an infected tick stays and feeds on your dog, it passes the bacteria into the dog’s bloodstream through its saliva.
Ticks become carriers of Ehrlichia after feeding on an infected animal, and they can remain infectious for life. This makes tick control essential for preventing ehrlichiosis in dogs. Here’s how the infection starts:
The Tick Gets the Bacteria
Ticks acquire Ehrlichia canis when they feed on an infected host, such as a dog already carrying the bacteria. Once inside the tick, the bacteria multiply and remain in the tick's salivary glands.
Transmission to the Dog
When an infected tick attaches to a new dog and begins feeding, it transmits the bacteria through its saliva. This typically occurs during the first 3 to 6 hours of the tick’s feeding process.
Spreads Within the Dog
Once inside the dog's bloodstream, Ehrlichia bacteria target white blood cells, particularly monocytes. From there, the bacteria will spread throughout the body, potentially leading to inflammation and damage to various internal organs.
What Are the Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs?
Since the signs may mimic those of other types of infections, it’s crucial to keep a keen eye. Here are the common ones:
Fever. Your dog’s temperature might become elevated as a result of the disease. This symptom is usually the first sign of ehrlichiosis in dogs.
Lethargy and Weakness. Some affected dogs might experience weakness and lethargy.
Loss of Appetite and Weight. Your dog might lose its appetite and eat less, even its favorite food. As a result, you will notice a loss of weight.
Swollen Lymph Nodes. You might feel or see swollen glands around the neck, shoulders, or back legs.
Joint Pain or Stiffness. Dogs may appear stiff or hesitant to move, suggesting discomfort in their joints. Some dogs may also prefer to rest and lie down more often.
Pale Gums or Anemia. A pale color inside your dog’s mouth can indicate a decrease in red blood cells. This usually happens in chronic cases.
Bleeding Issues. Nosebleeds, bruising, or small red spots on the skin are common in severe cases.
Neurological Symptoms. Disorientation, unsteady walking, or behavioral changes may mean the disease has affected the nervous system.
Clinical Phases of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs
Canine ehrlichiosis can progress through three distinct phases: acute, subclinical, and chronic.
Acute Phase
The acute phase typically begins 1 to 3 weeks after a dog is bitten by the infected tick. During this stage, the bacteria actively multiply and spread within the dog’s body. Here are some of the common symptoms of the acute phase:
Fever
Lethargy or reduced energy
Swollen lymph nodes
Loss of appetite
Minor bleeding
This phase may last up to 4 weeks. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover fully during the acute phase. However, if left untreated, the disease can quickly progress to the next stage.
Subclinical Phase
During the subclinical phase, the bacteria will remain in the body without causing obvious symptoms. This stage is often referred to as the "hidden" phase because dogs appear healthy, but the bacteria are silently causing damage.
The bacteria persist in the dog’s immune cells in the subclinical phase. The immune system may try to control the infection, but cannot fully eliminate it. Some dogs remain in this phase for months.
While no visible signs may be present, blood tests may reveal abnormalities, such as a low platelet count. Without treatment, the disease can transition to the chronic phase, leading to much more serious symptoms.
Chronic Phase
The chronic phase is the most severe and can have life-threatening consequences. Dogs in this phase will often experience extensive damage to their organs and immune systems. The common symptoms of this phase of ehrlichiosis in dogs include:
Severe weight loss
Pale gums due to anemia
Spontaneous bleeding or bruising
Persistent fever
Enlarged spleen
Disorientation or difficulty walking
Dogs in the chronic phase may also develop secondary infections mainly because of their compromised immune systems.
How Do Vets Diagnose Ehrlichiosis in Dogs?
Diagnosis will rely heavily on specific tests designed to detect the presence of the canine Ehrlichia bacteria or their effects on the dog’s body. Here are the diagnostic tests we take:
Complete Blood Count. A complete blood count is often the first test performed to check for the overall health of a dog suspected of having ehrlichiosis. This test looks for any changes in the blood, such as a low platelet count.
Serology Tests. Serology tests detect antibodies produced by the dog’s immune system in response to the canine Ehrlichia bacteria. Common serology methods include an ELISA test, which can confirm the specific antibodies involved.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Test. The PCR test is one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing ehrlichiosis in dogs. It detects the actual DNA of the canine Ehrlichia bacteria in the dog’s blood.
Blood Smear Examination. In this test, a drop of the dog’s blood is examined under a microscope. Through this, our vets can look for Ehrlichia organisms inside white blood cells.
How Is Ehrlichiosis in Dogs Treated?
The treatment process will focus on eliminating the bacteria and helping with recovery.
Antibiotics
The cornerstone of canine ehrlichiosis treatment is the use of medications. Antibiotic therapy is highly effective when administered promptly, and doxycycline is one of the most common choices.
Generally, the treatment process will be done for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your dog’s condition and the severity of the disease.
Supportive Care
Additionally, supportive care treatments will also be used to support your dog’s treatment. Intravenous fluids will be used to rehydrate your dogs and restore electrolyte balance, especially if they have lost their appetite. Blood transfusions will also be considered.
Pain medications can also be used to deal with joint pain and inflammation, helping improve your dog’s comfort. Additionally, we’ll also look to help your dog regain its strength through nutritional support. This is important for dogs who have lost a ton of weight.
How to Prevent Ehrlichiosis in Dogs?
The best way to keep our dogs safe from ehrlichiosis is to prevent ticks from coming into contact with them.
Provide Regular Preventives
The most effective strategy is to minimize your dog’s exposure to ticks. Regularly applying pet-safe products such as topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars can protect your dog by either repelling or killing ticks.
If you need help with this step, our clinic is ready to provide the anti-tick medications your dog needs. Plus, we can also take the time to check your dog for any issues that should be addressed.
Groom Your Dog
Pay close attention to areas like the ears, neck, armpits, between the toes, and around the tail. Use vet-approved shampoos and be sure to dry your dog after.
If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers or a tick removal tool. Removing ticks is important as ticks usually require just 3 to 6 hours to transmit the canine Ehrlichia bacteria.
Manage Your Dog’s Environment
Keeping your dog’s home clean is another important part of prevention. Ticks thrive in outdoor areas such as the yard, where tall grass and bushes are prevalent.
Mow your lawn and trim your bushes to make your yard less attractive to ticks. If possible, limit your dog’s access to wooded or high-risk areas where ticks are abundant.
“Your dog relies on you to shield them from the many diseases that can endanger its health.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
Ehrlichiosis in dogs can be quite concerning, but it can easily be prevented with regular treatments and preventives. Having a good understanding of this disease goes a long way in creating a better and safer life for your best friend.
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