What is the disease called in a dog after a tick bite? - briefly
The infection most commonly transmitted to dogs by a tick bite is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It manifests with fever, lameness, joint swelling, and sometimes kidney involvement.
What is the disease called in a dog after a tick bite? - in detail
Tick attachment can transmit several pathogens that cause distinct illnesses in canines. The most frequently diagnosed condition is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, commonly referred to as canine Lyme disease. Clinical signs often appear three to six weeks after the bite and may include lameness, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen joints. Diagnosis relies on serologic testing for antibodies, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of bacterial DNA, or culture from joint fluid. Treatment typically involves a course of doxycycline for 21–28 days; supportive care may be required for severe joint inflammation.
Other common tick‑borne infections include:
- Ehrlichiosis – caused by Ehrlichia canis; symptoms: fever, lethargy, bleeding disorders, enlarged lymph nodes; diagnosed by PCR or serology; treated with doxycycline.
- Anaplasmosis – caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum; signs: fever, joint pain, thrombocytopenia; diagnosed similarly; doxycycline is first‑line therapy.
- Babesiosis – caused by Babesia canis or Babesia gibsoni; presents with hemolytic anemia, jaundice, dark urine; diagnosed by blood smear or PCR; treatment combines imidocarb dipropionate with atovaquone‑azithromycin.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever – caused by Rickettsia rickettsii; rare in dogs but possible; fever, rash, vasculitis; treated promptly with doxycycline.
Prevention strategies focus on regular use of effective acaricides, monthly tick‑preventive medications, and routine inspection of the coat after outdoor activity. Prompt removal of attached ticks reduces the likelihood of pathogen transmission, as most organisms require several hours of attachment before entering the bloodstream.
Monitoring for post‑bite illness involves weekly observation for changes in temperature, behavior, or gait for up to two months. Early veterinary intervention improves prognosis for all tick‑associated diseases.