Ehrlichiosis (canine)

Ehrlichiosis (canine)

File:Canine Ehrlichiosis.jpg

A dog affected by Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis in dogs is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsial organisms Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia lewinii. These bacteria are spread by the brown dog tick and the lone star tick, respectively. Canine ehrlichiosis is found worldwide and in the United States, it is particularly prevalent in the south-central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic regions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of canine ehrlichiosis can vary greatly from one dog to another. Some dogs may show no symptoms at all, while others may exhibit signs such as fever, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, bleeding disorders such as nosebleeds, and eye disorders such as conjunctivitis and corneal opacity. In severe cases, the disease can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, and neurological disorders.

Diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis is typically made through a combination of clinical signs, history of tick exposure, and diagnostic tests. The most common diagnostic test is the serology test, which detects antibodies to Ehrlichia in the dog's blood.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for canine ehrlichiosis involves the use of antibiotics, typically doxycycline or tetracycline, for a period of three to four weeks. In severe cases, supportive care such as fluid therapy, blood transfusion, and treatment for secondary infections may be necessary.

Prevention of canine ehrlichiosis primarily involves controlling tick populations and using tick preventatives on dogs. Regular tick checks and prompt removal of attached ticks is also important in preventing the disease.

See Also

• Tick-borne disease
• Canine vector-borne disease
• Rickettsia