Ticks that can parasitize dogs are sometimes found, in turn , parasitized by pathogens such as bacteria that, if they enter the dog's organism, are capable of causing various diseases.This is the case of the anaplasmosis in dogs , a pathology that we will talk about in this article of Animals and Pets Online.We will see what symptoms can cause and how this problem can be treated not too well known, although worldwide distribution.
Read on to discover everything about Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs and the Anaplasma platys , which are the most common in these animals.
What is canine anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis in dogs is caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma that infect animals through what is called a vector, in this case, a tick containing anaplasmas.they feed on blood, for which they must catch the animal.In that exchange is when contagion can occur and for this it must last a minimum of 18-24 hours.
The anaplasmas are intracellular parasites obliged, this means that they must live inside cells, in this case they parasitize blood cells, causing more or less intense symptoms.
Anaplasma species in dogs
There are two species of anaplasma that can cause anaplasmosis in dogs and are the following:
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum , which causes what is called canine anaplasmosis or canine granulocytic anaplasmosis.
- Anaplasma platys , responsible for thrombocytic anaplasmosis or infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia.
Also, since ticks can be infested by other parasites, it is possible that in the same dog we will find several of these diseases, such as borreliosis (Lyme disease) or canine babesiosis, which makes it difficult to diagnosis.
Anaplastic symptoms in dogs
The symptoms of this disease are numerous but unspecific, which means that they are common in various pathologies, another fact that can complicate the diagnosis.Also, some dogs are asymptomatic or with very mild symptoms.Others remain chronic carriers.The clinical picture includes:
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Depression.
- Anorexia.
- Cojera.
- Joint pain.
- Polyarthritis.
- Vomits.
- Diarrhea.
- Uncoordination.
- Seizures.
- Increase in lymph node size.
- Anemia.
- Decrease in the number of platelets.
- Increase in liver enzymes.
- Paleness of mucous membranes.
- Small hemorrhages under the skin called petechiae .
- Cough.
- Uveitis.
- Edemas.
- Increase in water intake.
With A.platys episodes of tro occur mbocitopenia , that is, a decrease in the number of platelets, combined with other recovery at 1-2 week intervals.
Diagnosis of anaplasmosis in dogs
We have seen that the symptoms that may appear in this disease are not characteristic at all, so that the veterinarian will rely on the information we provide about the dog's life habits to reach the diagnosis.An environment with the presence of ticks or the absence of deworming can guide you towards a disease transmitted by these parasites.It is also possible to observe under the microscope , in blood extensions, the colonies that form anaplasma, called morulas .Other diagnostic methods are serology and PCR.
Treatment of anaplasmosis in dogs
To know how to cure anaplasmosis in dogs, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian.The treatment of this disease is based on the use of antibiotics and drugs to reduce the symptomatology.make essential tick control by establishing an external deworming calendar agreed with our veterinarian and appropriate to the characteristics of the dog and its way of life.Precautions if we visit with a strong presence of these parasites.
It is important to know that anaplasmosis can also affect humans but transmission from dogs has not been observed.
Prevention of anaplasmosis in dogs
It is based on preventing ticks from accessing animals.This line includes the following measures:
- Tick control with antiparasitic products , preferably water resistant.
- Avoid places with a high presence of ticks, such as forested areas, especially in times of the anus with a higher incidence of these parasites.
- Inspect the dogs after the walks.As we have seen, to transmit anaplasmas the ticks must spend many hours on them, so their early elimination will prevent contagion.
- If necessary, we will also implement measures to disinfect the environment.
This article is purely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case you present any r type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Anaplasmosis in dogs-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our section of parasitic diseases.
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