ANAPLASMOSIS, or TICK FEVER IN DOGS

Anaplasmosis, also called "Tick Fever" or "Dog Fever" is a bacterial infection transmitted when an infected Deer Tick (Black Legged Tick) or Western Black Legged Tick bites your dog and feeds on his blood.  

Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasma are all infections that can be carried by ticks and are classified as Tickborne Diseases.

Anaplasmosis, or Tick Fever in dogs

As an infected tick attaches and feeds on your dog's blood it transmits disease into your dog's system.  White tailed deer and small rodents are common carriers of Deer Ticks (Black Legged Ticks).  

Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are commonly found in the same geographic locations and are transmitted by the same tick species.

Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease are both transmitted by the same tick species

One of the scariest things about ticks and the diseases they carry is that a tick can carry more than one tickborne disease. In addition, if a dog is bitten by multiple ticks he can be at risk for contracting more than one tickborne disease at the same time!

SYMPTOMS OF ANAPLASMOSIS:

> Common symptoms of anaplasmosis are Joint pain and stiffness in the legs often seen as lameness, or limping in dogs.  

> Other symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.   

> Pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea,  nosebleeds, and dark stools (due to the presence of digested blood) may also be present.  

Most infected dogs will show symptoms for 1 to 7 days.

TWO TYPES OF BACTERIA CAUSE ANAPLASMOSIS:

* The most common bacteria, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is transmitted through bites of the Deer Tick (Black Legged Tick) and the Western Black Legged Tick.  This is the bacteria that can cause the joint stiffness and limping symptoms of anaplasmosis.

* A lesser form of anaplasmosis is caused by the Anaplasma platys bacteria and is transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick.  This bacteria contributes to low levels of blood platelets, the small cellular components in blood that help clots to form.  Low platelets can impact proper blood clotting ability and lead to internal bleeding. This can cause some dogs to develop bruising or nosebleeds.

Spring and Fall are peak seasons for Ticks in many parts of the U.S.

The dangers of contracting Anaplasmosis are highest in SPRING through FALL.  In fact, Fall is a peak time for ticks in many regions of the U.S., which many people don't expect. 

DIAGNOSIS:

Dogs with anaplasmosis often have many of the same symptoms as those with Lyme disease, and being infected with both is not uncommon.  Both a physical exam and a blood test can be done by your Veterinarian to test for Anaplasmosis and other tickborne diseases. 

TREATMENT:

There is no vaccine for Anaplasmosis, preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent Anaplasmosis in dogs.  Anaplasmosis is treated with an antibiotic, usually Doxycycline for 30 days.  Dogs usually start showing improvement  in just a few days and prognosis for recovery is good.

Anaplasmosis, or Tick Fever in dogs is treated with antibiotics

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE FROM ANAPLASMOSIS AND OTHER TICKBORNE DISEASES:

Some Tick-borne diseases can be transmitted into your dog’s system in as little as 3 to 6 hours of a tick bite, but Anaplasmosis from Deer Ticks usually takes 48 hrs or more to infect a dog. Early diagnosis and treatment of tickborne diseases is very important.  If not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner Anaplasmosis can result in severe illness.   

Your best protection against  ticks and the diseases they carry is to use good tick control.  I've used two medications that have worked very well for my dogs Icy and Phoebe; 

Simparica Trio is a chewable that protects against ticks, fleas and heartworm. 

 BRAVECTO, is a long lasting (12 weeks) chewable flea and tick control medication.  If you find a tick on your dog, contact your Veterinarian right away.

CAN PEOPLE GET ANAPLASMOSIS FROM DOGS?

Humans can be infected with Anaplasmosis through tick bites as well.  Your dog cannot transmit Anaplasmosis to you, humans get it by being bitten by an infected tick.  According to several news reports, David Letterman contracted Anaplasmosis in 2009 from a tick bite while camping in the yard with his son.  

If your dog is diagnosed with Anaplasmosis, it means that ticks infected with Anaplasmosis are likely in the area.  

People should be diligent about checking themselves for ticks after being outdoors, and protecting themselves and their dogs against ticks.

SOURCES FOR THIS POST:
Drs Foster and Smith’s Pet Education.com
VCA Animal Hospitals
Canine Health Foundation
Dr. Patty Khuly for Embrace Pet Insurance
Merck Animal Health Technical Assistance 

Disclaimer:  I am not a Veterinarian or a Vet Tech, nor do I play one online!  I share information I have learned myself through various sources (notated above), and based on my experiences with my own dogs.


Have you or your dog ever gotten a tickborne disease like Anaplasmosis or Lyme Disease?  Leave us a comment and tell us about it!