05/14/2024
Disease Spotlight: Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease. Two forms of anaplasmosis are known: granulocytic anaplasmosis and infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia. Granulocytic anaplasmosis is more common. A dog can have both infections at the same time.
A tick needs to be attached for a minimum of 24 hours to transmit the organism. Incubation time is about 1 to 2 weeks.
Granulocytic anaplasmosis is an infection of white blood cells.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted via a bite from the deer tick, blacklegged tick, or bear tick. Clinical disease is most often seen in adult dogs, and golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers appear to get it more than other breeds.
Clinical Signs and Prognosis
Many dogs exposed to granulocytic anaplasmosis do not get obvious signs of the condition. If signs are seen, they most often occur during the acute phase of infection, which is 1 to 2 weeks after transmission. The signs may be vague and include lethargy, lack of appetite, and fever. Some dogs may become lame because their joints are painful. Less common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
The prognosis for granulocytic anaplasmosis is quite good.
Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia
Infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia is an infection of blood platelets.
The organism has been found in Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor ticks.
Clinical Signs and Prognosis
Signs include lack of appetite, lethargy, fever, bruising on the gums and stomach, nosebleeds, and weight loss.
Diagnosis
Blood tests and urinalysis are the main diagnostic tools for anaplasmosis. If the dog is lame, radiographs and analysis of joint fluid are usually included.
Treatment
Treatment includes antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Disease Prevention
Because there is no vaccine for anaplasmosis, appropriate tick control is critical to preventing this disease. Preventing ticks from attaching and removing any ticks from your pet within a few hours of attachment is vital. Stay safe and give Tick preventative!