Ehrlichiosis is a serious tick-borne disease that affects dogs worldwide. This illness is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, most commonly the brown dog tick, also known as Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

While Ehrlichiosis can affect dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, the disease can be severe if left untreated, making awareness an important part of dog health. This disease is often referred to as a "silent threat" because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until it becomes severe.

Causes of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

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:

1. Infection in the Tick

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

The signs of Ehrlichiosis in dogs may sometimes mimic the symptoms of other health issues. This is why it’s important to get your dog checked if you notice any of these symptoms. Here are the common symptoms of Ehrlichiosis in dogs:

• 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

  When struck with the disease, your dogs might experience weakness and lethargy. 

  
  

• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

  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. You might notice your dog reducing its activity and prefer to lie down more often.

Additionally, there are advanced symptoms that can happen as a result of chronic cases. 

• Pale Gums or Anemia

  A pale color inside your dog’s mouth can indicate a decrease in red blood cells.

  
  

• Bleeding Issues

  Nosebleeds, bruising, or small red spots on the skin are common in severe cases.

  
  

• Neurological Symptoms

  Seizures, unsteady walking, or behavioral changes may mean the disease has affected the nervous system.

Phases of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Ehrlichiosis in dogs progresses through three distinct phases: acute, subclinical, and chronic. Each phase has unique challenges and symptoms, which will be 

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

• Seizures or difficulty walking

Dogs in the chronic phase may also develop secondary infections mainly because of their compromised immune systems.

Diagnosing Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Diagnosing Ehrlichiosis in dogs relies heavily on specific tests designed to detect the presence of Ehrlichia bacteria or their effects on the dog’s body. Here are the tests we take to diagnose your dog’s Ehrlichiosis:

1. 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 that are characteristic of the disease.

2. Serology Tests

Serology tests detect antibodies produced by the dog’s immune system in response to Ehrlichia bacteria. Common serology methods include an ELISA test, which can confirm the specific antibodies involved. While these tests can confirm exposure, they may not differentiate between current and past infections.

3. 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 Ehrlichia bacteria in the dog’s blood.

4. 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. 

Treatment Options for Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Treating Ehrlichiosis in dogs focuses on eliminating the Ehrlichia bacteria, managing symptoms, and supporting the dog's recovery. Here’s how we do it:

Antibiotics

The cornerstone of Ehrlichiosis treatment is the use of medications. Antibiotic therapy is highly effective when administered promptly. Doxycycline is one of the most common choices for treating Ehrlichiosis in dogs. 

Generally, the treatment process will be done for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your dog’s condition and the severity of the dog’s condition. 

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.

Preventing Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Preventing Ehrlichiosis in dogs is far simpler than managing the disease, and it begins with effective tick control. Here are ways you can do to prevent this disease from affecting your dogs:

Tick Control Measures

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. We can also provide regular preventive care to help protect your dog.

Pay close attention to areas like the ears, neck, armpits, between the toes, and around the tail. If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers or a tick removal tool. Urgent removal is important as ticks usually require just 3 to 6 hours to transmit Ehrlichia bacteria. Follow our quick tick-removal guide to get started.

Environmental Management

Managing and taking care of your dog’s environment is another important part of prevention. Ticks thrive in outdoor areas such as the yard, where tall grass and bushes are prevalent.

Keeping your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed can reduce these habitats, making your yard less attractive to ticks. If possible, limit your dog’s access to wooded or high-risk areas where ticks are abundant. 

Regular Checkups

Routine checkups have an important role in prevention. We can screen for early signs of Ehrlichiosis in your dog and check for other health-related factors. These visits also provide an opportunity for us to discuss any concerns you may have about your dog’s condition and its preventives.

Conclusion

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.