Anaplasmosis is generally a seasonal disease but also affect many dogs in different parts of the world. In fact, Anaplasmosis has even been declared an endemic in certain areas.
Anaplasmosis in Dogs:
- Anaplasmosis is also known as dog fever or dog tick fever.
- The disease is caused by bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys.
- Dogs infected with dog tick fever are also usually infected by Lyme disease which is normally carried and transmitted by the same tick.
- Anaplasmosis is prevalent in the north-eastern, north-central and mid-Atlantic areas in the United States.
- There are two types of Anaplasmosis depending on the causative agent and both manifest different symptoms. However, both are life-threatening for the dog.
Symptoms of Anaplasmosis in Dogs:
Symptoms mimic that of Lyme disease and include the following:
- High fever
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Lethargy or weakness
- Polyarthritis or the inflammation of multiple joints at the same time
- Ataxic seizures
- Neck pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Labored or difficulty in breathing
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia or low thrombocyte count
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or low red blood cell count
Treatment of Anaplasmosis in Dogs:
Effective treatment relies heavily on correct diagnosis.
- Treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline twice or three times a day.
- Treatment period can be as long as one month.
- Improvement can be seen after 24-48 hours after treatment.
- Blood transfusion may be necessary for severe anemia and thrombocytopenia.
- If kidney or liver damage is present, these also have to be treated.