FAQ - ticks

Ehrlichiosis is an infectious disease of dogs and is transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks; the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is the main reservoir of the organism in nature. The disease seems to be particularly severe in German shepherds and Doberman pinchers. Ehrlichia canis is the most common rickettsial species involved in ehrlichiosis in dogs.

Dogs are likely to develop a host of problems: anemia (reduced number of red blood cells, hemoglobin or both), thrombocytopenia (decreased platelets, the blood clotting cells), bleeding episodes, lameness, eye problems (including hemorrhage into the eyes), neurological problems, and swollen limbs. If the bone marrow (site of blood cell production) fails, the dog becomes unable to manufacture any of the blood cells necessary to sustain life (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

It may be difficult to diagnose infected dogs during the very early stages of infection. The immune system usually takes two to three weeks to respond to the presence of the organism and develop antibodies. The most common clinical sign of anemia is a loss of the normal pink color of the gingivae (gums). Anemic dogs also have little stamina so they seem very listless or tired. Pale gums and lethargy indicate the need to perform blood tests.

Ridding the dog’s environment of ticks is the most effective means of prevention.

Dogs experiencing severe anemia or bleeding problems may require a blood transfusion. However, this does nothing to treat the underlying disease. The main purpose of a blood transfusion is to stabilize the dog long enough that a determination of the cause of the anemia can be made. Further treatment will be determined once the underlying disease has been diagnosed. Your veterinarian can discuss treatment options with you.