What infections can a dog acquire from a tick? - briefly
Ticks transmit several canine pathogens, notably Ehrlichia canis (ehrlichiosis), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Babesia spp. (babesiosis), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), and Rickettsia rickettsii (rocky‑mountain spotted fever). Clinical manifestations include fever, lethargy, anemia, joint pain, and, in severe cases, organ dysfunction.
What infections can a dog acquire from a tick? - in detail
Ticks can transmit a range of bacterial, protozoal, and occasionally viral agents that affect canine health. The most frequently encountered pathogens include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi – the agent of Lyme disease; causes lameness, fever, joint swelling, and renal complications in some breeds. Diagnosis relies on serology or PCR; doxycycline for 3–4 weeks is standard therapy.
- Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii – responsible for canine ehrlichiosis; produce fever, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and weight loss. Confirmation by PCR or immunofluorescent assay; treatment with doxycycline for 4 weeks.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – causes anaplasmosis; symptoms include fever, lethargy, musculoskeletal pain, and occasional neurologic signs. Diagnosed by PCR or serology; doxycycline for 2–4 weeks.
- Rickettsia rickettsii – Rocky Mountain spotted fever; rare in dogs but may cause fever, petechiae, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Diagnosis by serology; doxycycline is the drug of choice.
- Francisella tularensis – tularemia; leads to ulcerative lesions, fever, and lymphadenopathy. Confirmed by culture or PCR; aminoglycoside therapy recommended.
- Babesia spp. – protozoal babesiosis; presents with hemolytic anemia, fever, and icterus. Diagnosis through blood smear or PCR; treatment combines imidocarb and supportive care.
- Hepatozoon canis – transmitted when a dog ingests an infected tick; results in fever, weight loss, and muscular atrophy. Diagnosis by microscopic identification of gamonts; treatment includes imidocarb and adjunctive therapy.
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus – occasional reports in Europe; may cause neurologic signs such as ataxia and seizures. Diagnosis by serology; no specific antiviral therapy, supportive care is essential.
Co‑infection with two or more agents is common, especially in regions where Ixodes spp. are abundant. Clinical presentation may be atypical, requiring comprehensive testing panels. Early detection improves prognosis; most bacterial infections respond well to doxycycline, while protozoal diseases often need species‑specific antiprotozoal drugs and blood transfusions.
Preventive measures include regular application of approved acaricides, monthly oral or topical tick preventatives, and environmental control of tick habitats. Routine veterinary examinations during peak tick season allow prompt identification of vector exposure and timely initiation of diagnostic work‑up.