Diagnosis Of Canine Ehrlichiosis
The disease we are going to talk about in this article is known by several names: rickets, hemorrhagic fever or canine ehrlichiosis. It is a serious infectious disease that must be diagnosed early. Read on if you want to know its origin, possible symptoms and diagnosis.
What causes canine ehrlichiosis?
The organism that causes this disorder is a bacterium of the Ehrlichia genus , specifically Ehrlichia canis. This intracellular organism was first discovered in 1935 and, since then, its presence has been detected in dogs, cats and humans, which is why it is considered a zoonosis.
This bacterium is an obligate parasite, so it needs a host to survive. Thus, it lodges in a biological vector, in this case, the dog tick ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus ). The bacteria are stored in the tick’s gut and saliva, and transmission occurs when another dog is bitten by the tick.
possible symptoms
In general, canine ehrlichiosis can be divided into three stages: acute, subclinical and chronic. This last step is the one that presents the greatest risk to the animal. Thus, at each of these stages, several symptoms may appear, such as:
- Fever and apathy.
- Weight loss, derived from lack of appetite.
- Blood disorders such as anemia.
- Bleeding from the nose or stool.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swollen glands.
- Kidney failure.
- Lameness.
If the disease is not detected early enough, many of these symptoms can be fatal to the dog. Therefore, we must be vigilant and go to the vet if we notice any of them in our pet.
Diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis
Obviously, observation of the symptoms we have just discussed is one of the most common diagnostic mechanisms. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are very generic and nonspecific, and alone are not sufficient to make a valid diagnosis.
Therefore, the most effective clinical test is a blood test. Using a blood sample, the veterinarian will be able to confirm the presence of the bacteria. In addition, these tests can be repeated a few days later to confirm without a doubt that the result is positive. This is where treatment begins.
Treatment
If the disease is detected early, treatment can help reduce and control symptoms. In the early stages of canine ehrlichiosis – approximately one to three weeks after a tick bite – antibiotics are the most effective treatment. Among the most common, stands out doxycycline.
If symptoms do not decrease or the disease progresses, additional treatments should be used, such as:
- Blood transfusions when symptoms of anemia appear.
- Antipyretics to fight fever.
- Medicines to promote the production of red blood cells.
It is important not to stop treatment, even when the symptoms seem to have disappeared. As with diagnosis, tests must be repeated after a few months to see if the disease is being fought.
Prevention of canine ehrlichiosis
As tutors, we can help prevent this disease by applying a range of practices. Most important of all is to exercise strict control over ticks. First, we must check the dog’s body periodically to rule out the presence of these uncomfortable organisms.
Furthermore, we can make use of various allies in the form of veterinary products, such as antiparasitic pipettes and collars, or baths. If we want to be completely safe, we can carry out a thorough cleaning of the areas of the house where ticks are usually susceptible.
But, as we always recommend, the best way to prevent it is to enlist the help of a professional veterinarian.
