What illnesses can a dog develop after a tick bite? - briefly
Dogs can acquire tick‑borne infections such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick‑borne encephalitis. Early detection and appropriate therapy are critical for preventing severe complications.
What illnesses can a dog develop after a tick bite? - in detail
Dogs can acquire a range of infectious agents when a tick attaches and feeds. The most common and clinically significant conditions include:
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Lyme disease – caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Signs may involve lameness, joint swelling, fever, and kidney dysfunction. Diagnosis relies on serology or PCR; treatment uses doxycycline for 4 weeks, with supportive care for renal involvement.
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Ehrlichiosis – primarily Ehrlichia canis (canine monocytic) and Ehrlichia ewingii. Clinical picture features fever, lethargy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Confirmation through blood smear or PCR; doxycycline for 2–4 weeks is standard.
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Anaplasmosis – infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum or A. platys. Manifestations include fever, joint pain, and platelet reduction. Laboratory confirmation by PCR or serology; doxycycline for 2–3 weeks.
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Babesiosis – caused by Babesia canis or B. gibsoni. Dogs display hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and dark urine. Diagnosis through blood smear, PCR, or serology; treatment combines imidocarb dipropionate (large‑breed) or atovaquone plus azithromycin (small‑breed), plus supportive transfusions if needed.
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Rickettsia rickettsii infection. Fever, petechial rash, and vascular damage may arise. Diagnosis via PCR or serology; doxycycline for 7–10 days.
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Hepatozoonosis – Hepatozoon canis transmitted when a dog ingests an infected tick. Clinical signs include fever, weight loss, and muscle wasting. Diagnosis by blood smear or PCR; treatment with imidocarb and supportive therapy.
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Tick paralysis – neurotoxic protein secretion leading to progressive weakness and respiratory failure. No infectious agent, but removal of the tick reverses symptoms within hours to days.
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Tularemia – rare Francisella tularensis infection. Presents with fever, lymphadenopathy, and ulcerated skin lesions. Diagnosis by culture or PCR; therapy includes streptomycin or gentamicin.
Prompt recognition and laboratory confirmation guide appropriate antimicrobial regimens. Early intervention reduces morbidity and prevents chronic sequelae such as glomerulonephritis in Lyme disease or persistent anemia in babesiosis. Regular tick control measures—topical acaricides, oral preventives, and environmental management—remain the most effective strategy to limit exposure.