What is Anaplasmosis in Dogs?
Anaplasmosis in dogs is one of the infectious diseases transmitted by ticks, caused by gram-negative, obligate intracellular, non-motile bacteria with a coccoid morphology. This disease particularly affects neutrophils and platelets, weakening the immune system and causing various symptoms that can compromise their health.
How Anaplasmosis is Transmitted in Dogs
There are two types of etiological agents that transmit Anaplasma. One is called Anaplasma platys, which is transmitted by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, causing Canine Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia (CICT). The other is called Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus and infects and attacks white blood cells, which are part of the immune system and help eliminate many diseases. Both require early diagnosis to prevent complications.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks and occurs when the tick feeds on the dog’s blood, transferring the bacteria into the animal’s bloodstream. The incubation period for this disease is between 7 and 14 days.
Symptoms of Anaplasmosis in Dogs
The symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs can vary depending on the stage of the disease and are often nonspecific, making diagnosis difficult. The most common symptoms include:
Acute Phase
- Fever
- Lethargy, apathy
- Loss of appetite
- Joint and muscle pain
- Coagulopathy (clotting problems)
- Anemia
Chronic Phase
- Reduced number of all blood cells
- Eye inflammation
- Lameness
- Polyarthritis
In some cases, dogs may develop neurological symptoms if the infection affects the central nervous system.
Diagnosis of Anaplasmosis in dogs
The diagnosis of anaplasmosis in dogs is made through laboratory tests, such as:
Serological tests
These tests detect exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys in the blood and are based on the detection of these bacteria using methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence.
Nowadays, there are commercial tests available for detecting Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys, such as the SNAP 4Dx® tests from IDEXX Laboratories.
PCR (Polymerase chain reaction)
It detects the bacteria’s DNA in the dog’s blood. PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a chemical reaction that molecular biologists use to amplify (make copies of) pieces of DNA. This reaction allows a few pieces of DNA to be replicated into millions or billions of copies.
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and the recovery of the dog.
Treatment of Anaplasmosis
VETERINARIO GRATISAntibiotics such as doxycycline, tetracycline, and prednisolone are used in the treatment of the disease, although in most cases the first is chosen due to its effectiveness against A. phagocytophilum, administered for at least two weeks for periods of 12 hours at a dose of 5 mg/kg, with improvement observed between 24 and 48 hours from the start of treatment.
Preventing Anaplasmosis in Dogs
According to studies on the highest prevalence of infections conducted by the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, the highest incidence is found in America at 11.9%, followed by lower percentages in Africa (5.5%), Asia (4.1%), and Europe (3.5%). The seasons with the highest incidence rates are those with higher temperatures..
This is why it is necessary to increase the rational use of antiparasitic products and accessories during these seasons, such as collars, spot-on treatments, and antiparasitic tablets, which help repel and eliminate ticks.
Regular Check-ups: Inspect your dog after outdoor walks, especially in wooded areas or tall vegetation.
Controlled Environments: Keep your yard and play areas tick-free by managing vegetation and using appropriate insecticides.
Antiparasitic products
Conclusions
The prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases are essential for maintaining pets’ health. Canine anaplasmosis is a serious tick-borne disease that can significantly affect your dog’s health. Early detection, proper treatment, and preventive measures are key to protecting your pet from this disease. Stay informed and consult your veterinarian regularly to ensure the best care for your dog.
