What do ticks transmit to dogs? - briefly
Ticks transmit several canine pathogens, notably the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, and the protozoan Babesia spp. Additional agents include Rickettsia rickettsii and Hepatozoon canis, which may cause fever, joint pain, or anemia.
What do ticks transmit to dogs? - in detail
Ticks serve as vectors for a range of infectious agents that affect canine health. The most clinically significant pathogens include bacteria, protozoa, and a neurotoxic protein that can cause paralysis.
Bacterial agents transmitted by ticks to dogs:
- Ehrlichia canis – causes canine ehrlichiosis; signs include fever, lethargy, thrombocytopenia, and weight loss.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis; symptoms comprise fever, joint pain, and neutropenia.
- Borrelia burgdorferi – the agent of Lyme disease; clinical manifestations range from lameness due to arthritis to renal complications.
- Rickettsia rickettsii – produces Rocky Mountain spotted fever in regions where the disease is endemic; fever, hemorrhagic rash, and vascular inflammation may occur.
Protozoal agents:
- Babesia canis – a hemoprotozoan causing babesiosis; presents with hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly.
- Babesia gibsoni – often results in chronic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and immune-mediated hemolysis.
Neurotoxic protein:
- Tick‑borne paralysis toxin – released by certain ixodid species (e.g., Dermacentor variabilis); leads to progressive ascending weakness, ataxia, and respiratory failure if untreated.
Additional considerations:
- Some tick species can transmit viral agents such as Tick‑borne encephalitis virus, though canine infection is uncommon and typically subclinical.
- Co‑infection with multiple pathogens is frequent in areas where ticks carry several agents, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis relies on serologic testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and microscopic examination of blood smears for protozoa. Prompt identification of the specific pathogen guides antimicrobial therapy (e.g., doxycycline for most bacterial infections) and supportive care for hemolytic diseases.
Prevention strategies focus on regular use of effective acaricides, environmental control of tick habitats, and routine inspection of dogs after outdoor exposure. Vaccination against Lyme disease is available in endemic regions and reduces the risk of infection but does not eliminate it.
Understanding the spectrum of tick‑borne agents enables veterinarians to implement targeted diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality associated with these infections.