What is the disease called after a tick bite in a dog? - briefly
The condition most often associated with a tick bite in dogs is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It manifests with fever, lameness, and joint inflammation.
What is the disease called after a tick bite in a dog? - in detail
Ticks can transmit several serious infections to dogs. The most frequently encountered conditions include:
- «Lyme disease» – caused by Borrelia burgdorferi; signs range from lameness and joint swelling to fever and loss of appetite. Diagnosis relies on serologic testing; doxycycline administered for 4 weeks is the standard therapy.
- «Ehrlichiosis» – primarily Ehrlichia canis; clinical picture features fever, lethargy, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Confirmation through PCR or serology; treatment with doxycycline for 2–4 weeks is effective.
- «Anaplasmosis» – Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection; manifests as fever, joint pain and neutropenia. Serology or PCR confirms infection; doxycycline regimen similar to other tick‑borne diseases.
- «Rocky Mountain spotted fever» – caused by Rickettsia rickettsii; symptoms include high fever, petechial rash and vascular inflammation. Early treatment with doxycycline is critical to reduce mortality.
- «Babesiosis» – protozoal infection by Babesia spp.; produces hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria and icterus. Microscopic examination of blood smears or PCR identifies the parasite; combination of atovaquone and azithromycin or imidocarb is recommended.
- «Hepatozoonosis» – caused by Hepatozoon canis; dogs acquire infection by ingesting infected ticks. Clinical signs involve fever, weight loss and muscular pain. Diagnosis through blood smear or PCR; treatment includes a combination of imidocarb and supportive care.
Key diagnostic steps comprise a thorough physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry and specific laboratory tests (serology, PCR, blood smear). Early detection improves outcomes, as most infections respond well to doxycycline‑based protocols when started promptly.
Prevention strategies focus on regular application of effective acaricides, environmental control of tick habitats and routine health checks during peak tick activity seasons. Vaccination against Lyme disease is available in some regions and may reduce the risk of infection, though it does not replace tick control measures.