What diseases do ticks transmit to dogs? - briefly
Ticks transmit several canine diseases, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These infections cause fever, joint pain, anemia, and may be fatal without treatment.
What diseases do ticks transmit to dogs? - in detail
Ticks are efficient vectors of numerous canine pathogens, each capable of producing distinct clinical syndromes. Transmission occurs when an engorged tick feeds long enough for organisms to migrate from the tick’s salivary glands into the host’s bloodstream. Prompt recognition of these infections reduces morbidity and mortality.
- Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi) – early signs include fever, lameness, and swollen joints; chronic infection may lead to arthritis and kidney dysfunction. Diagnosis relies on serology, and doxycycline constitutes the standard therapeutic regimen.
- Anaplasmosis (caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum) – presents with fever, lethargy, and thrombocytopenia. Polymer‑chain‑reaction testing confirms infection; a 10‑day course of doxycycline is effective.
- Ehrlichiosis (caused by Ehrlichia canis) – characterized by fever, weight loss, and pancytopenia. Acute, subclinical, and chronic phases may occur. Serologic testing or PCR identifies the pathogen; doxycycline for 28 days is recommended.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (caused by Rickettsia rickettsii) – manifests as fever, rash, and vascular inflammation. Early treatment with doxycycline improves outcome; delayed therapy increases mortality.
- Babesiosis (caused by Babesia canis or Babesia gibsoni) – produces hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria. Blood smear examination or PCR confirms diagnosis; imidocarb or combination therapy with atovaquone and azithromycin is employed.
- Hepatozoonosis (caused by Hepatozoon canis) – acquired through ingestion of infected ticks; clinical picture includes fever, lymphadenopathy, and muscle wasting. Diagnosis via PCR or muscle biopsy; treatment combines imidocarb with supportive care.
- Tick‑induced paralysis – neurotoxic protein released by certain tick species leads to progressive weakness and ataxia. Removal of the attached tick resolves symptoms; monitoring is essential until full recovery.
Laboratory confirmation, appropriate antimicrobial selection, and supportive therapy constitute the core management strategy for each condition. Preventive measures—regular tick checks, environmental control, and use of approved acaricides—remain the most reliable means of reducing disease incidence in dogs.