Ehrlichiosis

Another disease that is transmitted by ticks is known as Ehrlichiosis. Unlike Lyme disease and rocky mountain spotted fever, there are two different species of ticks that can transmit this disease. Ehrlichiosis is actually caused by bacteria that set up shop in white blood cells.

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There are a variety of symptoms that can occur and generally they do not show up for at least 1-3 weeks after the tick bite. The symptoms are typically assigned into three categories or phases. Mild symptoms including fever, enlarged lymph nodes and drop in platelets are typically associated with the acute or first phase. Owners will usually report that dog is just off, maybe lethargic and not interested in food. With the low platelets owners or veterinary staff may also notice bruising or delayed clotting after blood draws.  If treated at this point the disease will typically not progress. The next phase is the sub-clinical phase. There are no symptoms associated with the stage, which can last years. Bacteria are replicating inside the cells and just waiting for a chance to emerge. The last phase is called the chronic phase. Patients will begin to show symptoms again and could see lameness in the legs, prolonged bleeding times, inflammation in the eyes or neurological signs in severe cases.

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Diagnosis can be made with blood tests. There are simple tests that can be done in many veterinary clinics, however there are also more extensive confirmatory tests that can be done a specific laboratories. Based on these tests and/or symptoms treatment may be initiated. As with many of the tick borne illnesses, specific antibiotics can be used. Typically improvement can be seen soon after beginning these medications.

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If your pet has been around ticks or is showing any signs of not feeling like themselves it is definitely a good time to visit the veterinarian. They can start to rule out certain conditions and hopefully start timely treatment if needed. For more information on ehrlichiosis you can visit this website.