My dog was bitten by a tick, what disease might it cause? - briefly
A tick bite can transmit several pathogens, most notably Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii).
My dog was bitten by a tick, what disease might it cause? - in detail
A tick attachment can transmit several serious pathogens to a canine host. The most common infections include:
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Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) – causes fever, lameness, joint swelling, and kidney dysfunction. Diagnosis relies on serologic testing; doxycycline or amoxicillin are standard treatments. Early therapy reduces the risk of chronic arthritis and renal disease.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum – produces fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and thrombocytopenia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antibody titers confirm infection. Doxycycline administered for 2–4 weeks resolves most cases.
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Ehrlichia canis – responsible for canine ehrlichiosis, characterized by fever, weight loss, anemia, and bleeding disorders. Detection uses PCR, ELISA, or blood smear. Doxycycline for 4 weeks is the recommended regimen; supportive care may be needed for severe thrombocytopenia.
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Babesia spp. – babesiosis presents with hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and fever. Microscopic examination of blood smears identifies the parasite; PCR offers definitive diagnosis. Treatment combines imidocarb dipropionate with supportive transfusions when indicated.
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Rickettsia rickettsii – Rocky Mountain spotted fever manifests as fever, facial edema, and vasculitis. Diagnosis is clinical, supplemented by PCR or immunofluorescence. Doxycycline for 7–10 days is essential; delayed therapy increases mortality.
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Hepatozoon canis – transmitted when a dog ingests an infected tick. Clinical signs include fever, muscle wasting, and ocular lesions. Diagnosis uses PCR or cytology. Treatment options include imidocarb and adjunctive therapy with antibiotics.
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Tick-borne encephalitis virus – rare in dogs but can cause neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures. Diagnosis is serologic; supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.
Prevention strategies focus on regular use of acaricidal products (topical spot‑on, collars, oral medications), routine tick checks after outdoor exposure, and maintaining a tick‑free environment through yard treatment. Vaccination is available for Lyme disease in many regions and should be considered for dogs at high risk of exposure.
Prompt identification of tick‑borne illness improves outcomes. Veterinary assessment should include a thorough physical exam, complete blood count, serum chemistry, and appropriate pathogen‑specific tests based on observed clinical signs. Early initiation of doxycycline, when indicated, remains the cornerstone of therapy for most bacterial tick‑transmitted diseases.