The ticks that can parasitize dogs are sometimes, in turn, parasitized by pathogens such as bacteria that, if they enter the dog's body, are capable of causing various diseases. This is the case of anaplasmosis in dogs, a pathology that we will talk about in this article on our site. We will see what symptoms it can cause and how this problem that is not well known, although it is worldwide, can be treated.
Keep reading to discover all about Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs and Anaplasma platys, which are the most common in these animals.
What is canine anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis in dogs is caused by bacteria of the genus anaplasma that infect animals through what is called a vector, in this case, a tick that contains anaplasmas. Ticks feed on blood, for which they must latch on to the animal. In this exchange is when contagion can occur and for this it must last a minimum of 18-24 hours.
Anaplasmas are intracellular parasites obligate, this means that they must live inside cells, in this case they parasitize blood cells, causing more or less intense symptoms.
Anaplasma species in dogs
There are two species of anaplasma that can cause anaplasmosis in dogs and they are as follows:
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which causes what is called canine anaplasmosis or canine granulocytic anaplasmosis.
- Anaplasma platys, responsible for thrombocytic anaplasmosis or infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia.
In addition, as ticks can be infested by other parasites, it is possible that in the same dog we find several of these diseases, such as borreliosis (Lyme disease) or canine babesiosis, which makes it difficult to diagnosis.
Symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs
The symptoms of this disease are numerous but nonspecific, which means that they are common in various pathologies, another fact that can complicate the diagnosis. In addition, some dogs are asymptomatic or with very mild symptoms. Others remain chronic carriers. The clinical picture includes:
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Depression.
- Anorexy.
- Limp.
- Joint pain.
- Polyarthritis.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Incoordination.
- Seizures.
- Increase in the size of the lymph nodes.
- Anemia.
- Platelet count decreased.
- Increased liver enzymes.
- Pale mucous membranes.
- Small bleeds under the skin called petechiae.
- Cough.
- Uveitis.
- Edemas.
- Increased water intake.
With A. platys episodes of thrombocytopenia occur, that is, decrease in the number of platelets, combined with others of recovery in intervals of 1-2 weeks.
Diagnosis of anaplasmosis in dogs
We have seen that the symptoms that may appear in this disease are not characteristic at all, so the veterinarian will rely on the information we provide about the dog's life habits to reach the diagnosis. An environment with the presence of ticks or the absence of deworming can lead to a disease transmitted by these parasites. It is also possible to observe under a microscope, in blood smears, the colonies that form anaplasm, called morulaeOther diagnostic methods are serology and PCR.
Treatment of anaplasmosis in dogs
To know how to cure anaplasmosis in dogs, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian. The treatment of this disease is based on the use of antibiotics and drugs to reduce symptoms. In addition, it is essential to control ticksby establishing a deworming scheduleexternal agreed with our veterinarian and appropriate to the characteristics of the dog and its way of life. We must also take extreme precautions if we visit areas with a strong presence of these parasites.
It is important to know that anaplasmosis can also can affect humans but transmission from dogs has not been observed.
Prevention of anaplasmosis in dogs
It is based on preventing ticks from accessing animals. This line includes the following measures:
- Control of ticks with antiparasitic products, preferably water resistant.
- Avoid places with a high presence of ticks, such as wooded areas, especially at times of the year with a higher incidence of these parasites.
- Inspect dogs after walks. As we have seen, to transmit anaplasmas, ticks must spend many hours attached to them, so early removal will prevent contagion.
- If necessary, we will also implement environmental disinfection measures.
