We adopted our dog from a local rescue organization. When we brought her to our veterinarian, we were told she had a “tick disease” which we later found out was Ehrlichiosis. Ehrlichiosis in dogs is a tick borne disease that can affect any dog. All they told us was she was exposed to a tick at some point and now this disease shows up in her blood work. Being that she does not have any symptoms, there is nothing we can do for her but to keep a watch over her in case any symptoms develop.
This post will look at Ehrlichiosis in dogs, what it is, how it is spread, signs and symptoms, how the condition is diagnosed, and treatment options available if your dog has this condition.
Table of Contents:
Related: All Natural Tick Repellent For Your Dog, Lyme Disease In Dogs
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is Ehrlichiosis In Dogs?
Ehrlichiosis is a serious tick-borne disease that affects dogs and can cause severe health issues if left untreated.
Ehrlichiosis comes from bacteria called Ehrlichia. These tiny germs attack white blood cells in dogs. The main types that make dogs sick are:
- Ehrlichia canis.
- Ehrlichia ewingii.
- Ehrlichia chaffeensis.
E. canis is the most common cause in dogs worldwide. It can lead to severe illness. E. ewingii often causes milder symptoms but is still a threat. E. chaffeensis mainly affects humans but can infect dogs too.
These bacteria hide inside cells, making them hard to fight. They can damage many organs, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
How Is Ehrlichiosis Transmitted?
Ticks spread ehrlichiosis to dogs. The brown dog tick is the main culprit for E. canis. Other ticks can carry different Ehrlichia types.
Your dog’s risk goes up if:
- You live in or visit areas with lots of ticks.
- It’s spring or summer when ticks are most active.
- Your dog spends time outdoors in wooded or grassy spots.
- You don’t use tick prevention products.
Some dog breeds, like German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, may get sicker from ehrlichiosis. But any dog can catch it.
Using tick control and checking your dog for ticks after outdoor time helps prevent infection.
What Are The Stages Of Ehrlichiosis In Dogs?
Ehrlichiosis in dogs progresses through distinct stages with varying symptoms. The disease can affect multiple body systems and lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Acute, Subclinical, And Chronic Stages
The acute stage occurs 1-3 weeks after an infected tick bite. During this time, you may notice fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite in your dog. Some dogs also develop swollen lymph nodes and bleeding issues.
The subclinical stage follows. Your dog might seem healthy, but the bacteria remain in their body. This stage can last months or years.
If untreated, the disease may progress to the chronic stage. This can cause more severe symptoms as the infection spreads to different organs.
What Are Common Symptoms Of Ehrlichiosis In Dogs?
Common signs of ehrlichiosis in dogs include:
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Bruising or bleeding.
- Eye problems (uveitis).
- Lameness or joint pain.
Your dog may not show all these symptoms. The severity can vary based on the stage of infection and your dog’s immune response.
Possible Complications Of Ehrlichiosis In Dogs
Ehrlichiosis can lead to serious health issues if not treated promptly. These may include:
- Severe anemia.
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
- Kidney failure.
- Nervous system problems.
- Eye damage.
Regular check-ups and tick prevention are key to avoiding these complications.
How Is Ehrlichiosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ehrlichiosis in dogs involves specific tests to detect the presence of Ehrlichia bacteria or the dog’s immune response. These methods help veterinarians confirm the infection and start proper treatment.
Blood Tests And Imaging
A complete blood count is often the first test done. It can show low platelet counts, which is common in ehrlichiosis. Your veterinarian may also check for anemia and changes in white blood cell numbers. They might do a blood smear to look for the bacteria inside white blood cells.
X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to check for enlarged organs. This can happen with ehrlichiosis. These images help your veterinarian see if the disease has affected your dog’s internal organs.
Serological And Molecular Techniques
Antibody tests are widely used to diagnose ehrlichiosis. They look for your dog’s immune response to the bacteria. These tests can show if your dog has been exposed to Ehrlichia.
PCR testing is a newer method. It finds Ehrlichia DNA in your dog’s blood. This test can tell if your dog has an active infection. It’s very accurate and can even identify which type of Ehrlichia is causing the infection.
Your veterinarian might use both antibody and PCR tests. This helps them get a clear picture of your dog’s condition and decide on the best treatment plan.
Treatment Strategies And Prevention
Treating ehrlichiosis in dogs involves antibiotics, supportive care, and ongoing monitoring. Prevention focuses on tick control methods to protect your dog from infection.
Antibiotic Therapy
Doxycycline is the main antibiotic used to treat ehrlichiosis in dogs. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a 4-week course. Give the full course of antibiotics, even if your dog seems better.
Some dogs may need longer treatment. Follow-up tests help check if the infection is gone. Your veterinarian might switch antibiotics if doxycycline doesn’t work.
Supportive Care And Monitoring
Your dog may need extra care while fighting ehrlichiosis. This can include:
- IV fluids for dehydration.
- Blood transfusions for severe anemia.
- Pain relief medication.
- Anti-nausea drugs.
Regular check-ups and blood tests track your dog’s progress. These tests look at blood cell counts and organ function. Your veterinarian will adjust treatment based on these results.
Preventative Measures
Tick prevention is key to avoiding ehrlichiosis. Use these methods to protect your dog:
- Monthly tick preventatives (pills, collars, or topical treatments).
- Regular tick checks after outdoor time.
- Keeping grass short in your yard.
- Avoiding tick-heavy areas during peak seasons.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick prevention for your dog. They can recommend products based on your dog’s age, size, and lifestyle.
Prompt removal of ticks is important. Check your dog daily and remove any ticks you find right away. This lowers the chance of disease transmission.
Our dog is lucky and does not exhibit any signs of her Ehrlichiosis. We bring her to our veterinarian and have her checked out annually in addition to monitoring her for any symptoms. If your dog is around places where ticks frequent, please check them regularly for ticks and use a tick prevention like a collar or pill to help decrease the likelihood of them developing any serious tick borne disease.
For more information on Ehrlichiosis, please see VCA Animal Hospitals.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.