Ehrlichia is a type of bacteria that infects dogs and other species around the world, causing a disease called Ehrlichiosis, which is also called “tropical dog pancytopenia” (and some other names). Ehrlichia is usually transmitted by ticks.
cause
Ehrlichia bacteria infect white blood cells. There are many species of Ehrlichia, which infect a wide variety of animals, but there are only a few species that affect dogs.
A closely related infection that affects platelets is caused by a bacterium called Anaplasma platys and sometimes also referred to as Ehrlichiosis (Anaplasma platys used to be called Ehrlichia platys until recently). Most Ehrlichia infections are acquired through keystroke. Infection is also possible through blood transfusions.
Risk factors
Ehrlichiosis occurs worldwide in areas where disease-carrying ticks are common. While any dog can be infected, some breeds, especially German Shepherds , are prone to more serious chronic infections. Retired pension shares from areas where Ehrlichiosis is common may suffer from chronic and undetected infections and should be checked for Ehrlichiosis and other marked diseases when they are approved.
Signs and symptoms of Ehrlichiosis
The symptoms and severity of the first disease with Ehrlichiosis depend on the types of Ehrlichia including the canine immune response.
In general, Erlichia canis appears to produce the most severe disease, and infections tend to progress through various stages.
The acute phase occurs within the first weeks of infection and is rarely fatal. Recovery may occur, or the dog may enter a “subclinical phase,” which can last for years where there are no symptoms.
Some dogs eventually progress to the chronic stage, where very severe disease can develop. However, in practice, it is difficult to distinguish these stages.
Signs and symptoms of ehrlichiosis may include:
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Abnormal bleeding (eg, nosebleeds, subcutaneous bleeding – looks like small dots or clots).
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Pain and stiffness (due to arthritis and muscle pain).
- Coughing.
- Discharge from eyes and / or nose.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Inflammation of the eye.
- Neurological symptoms (eg, incontinence, depression, paralysis, etc.).
Signs of organ involvement can occur in chronic form, especially in kidney disease.
Note: Anaplasma platys causes low platelet counts but tends to produce only mild symptoms, if any.
Diagnosis and Ehrlichiosis
A diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis can be difficult to confirm. Blood tests usually show a low platelet count (“thrombocytopenia”) and sometimes a decrease in the number of red blood cells (anemia) and / or white blood cells.
Changes in protein levels in the blood can occur. Blood clots can be examined for the presence of Ehrlichia organisms. If they are present, the diagnosis can be confirmed, but they may not always appear in one piece.
Blood can also be tested for antibodies in Ehrlichia – although this can sometimes produce inaccurate results.
Specialized testing can check genetic material from Ehrlichia, and while this is the most sensitive test, it is not widely available and has some limitations. Generally, a combination of laboratory tests along with clinical signs and history are used to make a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that dogs infected with Ehrlichia can also be infected with other diseases transmitted by ticks, such as Babesia , Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain fever. Infection with a bacterium called Bartonella has also been found in connection with Ehrlichiosis and other marked diseases. The presence of these other diseases can make the symptoms more severe and the diagnosis can be more complicated.
Treatment of Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis responds well to treatment with the antibiotic Doxycycline. Symptom improvement is usually very rapid, but it usually takes several weeks of treatment to ensure a complete cure. In severe cases where blood cell counts are too low, blood transfusions may be necessary. Reinfection is possible, as immunity to Ehrlichia bacteria does not last long.
Prevention of Ehrlichiosis
Preventing exposure to ticks carried by Ehrlichia is the best tool to prevent ehrlichiosis. Check your dog daily for ticks and remove them as soon as possible (it is believed that ticks need to be fed for at least 24-48 hours to spread Ehrlichia). This is especially important in the scoring season, or if your dog spends time in the woods or tall grass (consider avoiding these areas in the key season).
Noise-preventing products may be used, such as monthly parasite preventers (eg, Frontline®, Revolution®) or collars (eg Preventic®); be sure to follow your veterinarian advice when using these products. Keep divorced grass and brush in your backyard, and in areas where ticks are a serious problem, you might also consider treating the backyard and elbow area for titles.
Please note: this article is for informational purposes only. If your pet shows any signs of illness, please consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
