What diseases do dogs develop after a tick bite? - briefly
Dogs may acquire Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever from tick bites. These infections can cause fever, joint pain, lethargy, anemia, and, if untreated, organ damage.
What diseases do dogs develop after a tick bite? - in detail
Ticks are vectors for multiple canine pathogens. The most common groups are bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, each producing a distinct clinical picture.
Bacterial infections transmitted by ticks include:
- Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) – fever, lameness, joint swelling, possible renal involvement; serology or PCR confirms infection.
- Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis) – thrombocytopenia, anemia, weight loss, fever; diagnosed by PCR or immunofluorescent antibody test.
- Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys) – fever, lethargy, neutropenia, platelet depletion; PCR and serology are reliable.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii) – high fever, petechial rash, neurologic signs; detection by PCR or serology.
- Tularemia (Francisella tularensis) – rapid onset of fever, lymphadenopathy, ulcerated skin lesions; culture or PCR required.
Protozoal disease:
- Babesiosis (Babesia canis, B. gibsoni) – hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, icterus; blood smear, PCR, or serology identify the parasite.
Viral infection:
- Powassan virus – encephalitis, seizures, ataxia; diagnosis relies on PCR of cerebrospinal fluid or serology.
Clinical signs vary with pathogen but often include fever, lethargy, joint pain, loss of appetite, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neurologic disturbances. Overlap of symptoms can obscure the underlying cause, making laboratory confirmation essential.
Diagnostic work‑up typically comprises a complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and targeted pathogen testing (PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence). In cases of suspected co‑infection, multiple assays should be performed concurrently.
Treatment protocols differ by agent:
- Bacterial diseases – doxycycline 5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 2–4 weeks is first‑line for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and many Rickettsial infections; amoxicillin or ceftriaxone for Lyme disease; supportive care for severe cases.
- Babesiosis – combination of atovaquone (13.3 mg/kg) and azithromycin (10 mg/kg) for 10 days; severe infections may require imidocarb or blood transfusion.
- Powassan virus – no specific antiviral; intensive supportive care and seizure control are mandatory.
Prevention focuses on tick avoidance and control: regular application of acaricidal collars or spot‑on products, environmental landscaping to reduce tick habitats, and routine inspection of the dog’s coat after outdoor activity. Vaccination against Lyme disease is available in endemic regions and should be administered according to veterinary guidelines.