Understanding Anaplasmosis in Ana the Dog

Ana the dog was recently diagnosed with anaplasmosis, a tick-borne illness that's become increasingly common in our area.

The symptoms of anaplasmosis can be quite vague, making it tricky to diagnose. Ana's owner initially thought she was just experiencing a minor cold, but the persistent fever and lethargy were a clear indication that something was amiss.

Ana's vet suspected anaplasmosis after reviewing her medical history and performing a physical examination. The vet explained that the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is the primary cause of the disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.

Ana's case highlights the importance of regular tick checks and prompt veterinary care if symptoms persist.

Take a look at this: Vets Dog Treats

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that can affect dogs, caused by the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria. It's a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

The bacteria are transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, typically the blacklegged tick or the western blacklegged tick. These ticks are commonly found in wooded and bushy areas, where your dog may roam.

Symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs can include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite, among others.

Anaplasmosis can be a serious condition in dogs, and it's essential to recognize the symptoms early on.

Fever is one of the earliest signs of anaplasmosis in dogs, which can appear anywhere from one to seven days after infection.

Some dogs may only experience minor symptoms, while others may develop more severe ones.

Lethargy, lack of appetite, and malaise are common symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs.

In addition to these symptoms, joint pain and lameness can also occur.

Dogs may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing due to anaplasmosis.

Labored breathing and seizures can be more severe symptoms, and ataxia (lack of muscle and movement control) can be a sign of advanced infection.

Dogs infected with A. platys can develop a periodic decrease in blood-clotting platelets, leading to bruising and bleeding, particularly nosebleeds.

Diagnosing anaplasmosis in dogs can be a challenge for veterinarians. Doctors often struggle to distinguish between anaplasmosis and Lyme disease, which share similar symptoms like widespread joint inflammation.

A veterinarian will run blood tests to determine if your pet has anaplasmosis. These tests can pinpoint the antibody responsible for the infection and check for active infection.

Some available tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. These tests help identify the presence of anaplasmosis.

In some cases, the bacterial organism can be seen under a microscope. This is a more straightforward method of diagnosis, but it's not always possible.

A veterinarian may suspect anaplasmosis if your dog has symptoms like joint inflammation. However, it's not always easy to diagnose the disease without running blood tests.

Limiting your dog's exposure to ticks is key to preventing Anaplasmosis. Ticks are found in grassy, wooded, and sandy areas.

Keeping your dog on trails when walking near wooded or tall grass areas can reduce their exposure to ticks. This is especially effective in areas with thick underbrush.

Ticks need to feed for at least 24 hours before naturally transmitting anaplasma to a pet. Medications that kill ticks in under 24 hours can be effective in preventing the disease.

Check your dog for ticks every day, paying special attention to areas like between the toes, under the collar, and behind the ears. Ticks can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a grape.

Use tweezers or a tick removal device to grasp the tick close to the skin, and dispose of it in alcohol or flush it down the toilet.

The treatment for canine anaplasmosis is the same as that for other closely related tick-borne infections, including ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease—the antibiotic doxycycline.

Many infected dogs are treated for two to four weeks, with the longer course more often prescribed if co-infected with Lyme disease.

Dogs are often markedly better 24 to 48 hours after therapy is started.

The prognosis for clinical recovery is excellent, with most dogs clinically improving rapidly.

Even if a dog infected with anaplasmosis is treated and returns to normal, the dog may continue to test positive for the infection on subsequent blood tests.

A 30-day course of the antibiotic doxycycline is typically prescribed by veterinarians.

Signs of improvement in a dog’s symptoms may be seen within 24 to 48 hours.

If the disease is not active, veterinarians will probably not prescribe more antibiotics, even if the dog still tests positive for anaplasmosis.