What disease can a dog develop after a tick bite? - briefly
A tick bite can transmit Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which may cause fever, lameness, and joint inflammation. Other frequent tick‑borne infections in dogs include ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
What disease can a dog develop after a tick bite? - in detail
Ticks transmit several pathogens that may cause serious illness in dogs. The most frequently encountered conditions include bacterial, protozoal, and neurotoxic disorders. Early recognition and appropriate management reduce morbidity and mortality.
• Lyme disease – caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Infection follows attachment of Ixodes spp. Typical signs: lameness, joint swelling, fever, lethargy. Laboratory confirmation relies on serology (ELISA, Western blot) or PCR of joint fluid. Doxycycline for 4 weeks is the standard therapy; supportive care addresses inflammation. Preventive measures: tick‑preventive products and annual vaccination in endemic areas.
• Canine ehrlichiosis – primarily Ehrlichia canis transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Clinical phases: acute fever, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy; subclinical stage may persist for months; chronic phase presents with weight loss, anemia, ocular lesions. Diagnosis through PCR or immunofluorescent antibody test. Doxycycline for 28 days is recommended; severe cases may need blood transfusion and immunosuppressive therapy.
• Anaplasmosis – Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection via Ixodes ticks. Signs include fever, lethargy, lameness, and polyarthritis. Diagnosis by PCR or serology. Doxycycline for 2–4 weeks resolves most infections; adjunct anti‑inflammatory drugs may alleviate joint pain.
• Babesiosis – protozoal disease caused by Babesia canis or Babesia gibsoni, transmitted by various hard ticks. Hemolytic anemia, fever, icterus, and splenomegaly are common. Blood smear examination reveals intra‑erythrocytic parasites; PCR confirms species. Treatment combines imidocarb dipropionate for large‑babesia infections or a combination of atovaquone and azithromycin for B. gibsoni. Supportive care includes fluid therapy and blood transfusion when indicated.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Rickettsia rickettsii occasionally affects dogs after exposure to Dermacentor ticks. Symptoms: high fever, petechial rash, edema, and neurological signs. Diagnosis by serology (four‑fold rise) or PCR. Doxycycline administered promptly (10 mg/kg twice daily for 7–10 days) prevents severe outcomes.
• Tick‑induced paralysis – neurotoxin released by Dermacentor and Ixodes species. Progressive weakness begins in the hind limbs and may advance to respiratory failure. Removal of the attached tick usually reverses paralysis within 24–48 hours; supportive ventilation may be required in advanced cases.
Prevention relies on regular application of acaricidal collars, spot‑on treatments, or oral preventives. Routine inspection after outdoor activity and prompt removal of attached ticks reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. Vaccination against Lyme disease is advised in regions with high prevalence. Monitoring for clinical signs after a known tick bite enables early intervention and improves prognosis.