What is the disease caused by a tick in dogs called? - briefly
The tick‑borne illness that affects dogs is commonly known as Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It can produce fever, joint pain, and kidney complications if untreated.
What is the disease caused by a tick in dogs called? - in detail
The primary tick‑borne illness in dogs is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Infection occurs after a dog is attached to an infected Ixodes tick for more than 24–48 hours. Clinical signs may include lameness, fever, loss of appetite, joint swelling, and kidney dysfunction in severe cases.
Ticks also transmit several other pathogens that produce distinct diseases:
- Ehrlichiosis – Ehrlichia canis infection; symptoms comprise fever, lethargy, bleeding disorders, and weight loss. Chronic stage can lead to immune‑mediated bone marrow suppression.
- Anaplasmosis – Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection; presents with fever, joint pain, and thrombocytopenia. Neurological signs may appear in advanced cases.
- Babesiosis – Babesia canis infection; characterized by hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Severe disease can cause shock and death.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Rickettsia rickettsii infection; produces fever, rash, and vascular damage, though less common in dogs than in humans.
Diagnosis relies on serologic tests (ELISA, IFA), polymerase chain reaction, or microscopic examination of blood smears. Treatment protocols differ by pathogen but generally include doxycycline for bacterial infections and supportive care for hemoparasitic diseases. Preventive measures emphasize regular use of acaricidal collars, spot‑on products, or oral medications, and routine tick checks after outdoor exposure.