What Is Ehrlichiosis In Dogs?

Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial ailment rooted in the Ehrlichia genus, primarily infects dogs through tick bites. Multiple Ehrlichia species exist, yet in the U.S., E. canis and E. ewingii are the principal culprits behind canine cases. Although all these bacteria find their way to their hosts via ticks, the exact tick species may differ depending on the Ehrlichia species. Notably, these bacteria target white blood cells, but the specific kind of white cell differs.

The discovery of E. canis dates back to the Vietnam War era, earning it alternate names like "tracker dog disease" and "tropical canine pancytopenia." Certain breeds, including German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Belgium Malinois, and Siberian Huskies, seem more susceptible to acute versions of this illness. In many contexts, when the term "ehrlichiosis" comes up in veterinary circles, it's an implicit reference to an E. canis attack, technically labeled as Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis. This bacterium predominantly occupies a white blood cell type known as monocytes once inside its host.

Conversely, E. ewingii, predominant in North America, inhabits a different kind of white blood cell - the granulocyte. As scientifically termed, canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis doesn't always command the same concern as its E. canis counterpart due to its milder nature. Many canine hosts of E. ewingii might display minor symptoms or remain asymptomatic.

Symptoms Of Ehrlichiosis In Dogs

E. canis manifests in dogs through three phases: the initial, the silent, and the prolonged.

During the initial phase, which starts one to three weeks post-tick bite, the E. canis bacteria multiplies and anchors itself to white blood cells. Symptoms typically observed in this period include:

• High temperature
• Fatigue and low spirits
• Reduced appetite and weight decline
• Swollen lymphatic nodes
• Difficulty in movement
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea
• Respiratory issues, exemplified by a cough
• Unusual bleeding and bruise patterns
• Neurological disturbances such as disorientation or instability

Prompt medical intervention during this phase usually results in dogs fully recovering. However, untreated cases tend to advance to the silent phase in the subsequent one to four weeks.

The silent phase is characterized by the bacteria's covert existence in the spleen, persisting for months to years. While dogs don't exhibit overt symptoms, subtle changes in blood tests might be evident, like a marginal decline in platelet counts or a surge in the blood protein globulin. Notably, some dogs might overcome the infection autonomously, avoiding the transition to the prolonged phase.

For dogs entering the prolonged phase, their inability to eradicate the bacteria triggers a relapse of symptoms. Indications of this stage involve:

• Excessive bleeding was observed in nearly 60% of cases due to diminished platelet levels, potentially inducing anemia.
• Eye complications, including inflammation, internal bleeding, or loss of vision
• Continued neurological issues like disorientation
• Frequent urination and thirst stemming from renal damage
• Impaired mobility and enlarged extremities

Unfortunately, the prolonged phase poses dire outcomes and could lead to the demise of the affected dog.

On the other hand, E. ewingii typically has a softer impact compared to E. canis, with signs limited to fever and joint inflammation. Interestingly, some dogs infected with E. ewingii might remain symptom-free.

Causes Of Ehrlichiosis In Dogs

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) spreads E. canis, while the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) transmits E. ewingii. Removing the tick swiftly is essential to prevent disease transmission, which can occur in a mere three to six hours post-tick attachment.

While E. canis doesn't affect humans, they are vulnerable to other ehrlichiosis variants, including E. ewingii. Importantly, this disease isn't zoonotic, so humans can't contract it directly from dogs. Nonetheless, tick bites can transmit the illness. If you suspect you've encountered ehrlichiosis, it's imperative to consult a medical professional promptly.

The Veterinary Process For Identifying Ehrlichiosis In Canines

Understanding a dog's recent travel and potential tick interactions is pivotal when suspecting ehrlichiosis. A comprehensive physical assessment by the vet, focusing on signs like fever, joint discomfort, and swollen lymph nodes, forms the initial diagnostic step. Fundamental tests, such as a complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis, provide foundational diagnostic information.

This information is crucial for the vet if your dog has been in tick-prone regions. They'll meticulously inspect your canine and may recommend a range of blood analyses, encompassing serum blood chemistry and urinalysis, to establish a diagnostic baseline. Should ehrlichiosis be a primary concern, further specialized lab tests might be prescribed.

The Snap 4Dx test is a common tool among vets, routinely used to scan for heartworms in dogs. This versatile test also identifies conditions like Lyme disease, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia. It can discern antibodies for E. canis or E. ewingii per the maker's specifications. However, a positive ehrlichiosis result in an asymptomatic dog can be perplexing and might necessitate supplementary assessments.

Occasionally, these tests produce false positives. More often than not, this suggests your pet has encountered the bacterium via a tick bite. Depending on your dog's clinical presentation, your vet might opt for one of three paths:

1. Periodic observation without added intervention.
2. Medication targeting ehrlichiosis.
3. Advocacy for in-depth tests, like the PCR.

Addressing Ehrlichiosis In Canines: A Therapeutic Approach

Typically, a 28- to 30-day regimen of antibiotics, with Doxycycline being the preferred choice, is used to combat ehrlichiosis. Dogs exhibiting symptoms from the initial or silent phases usually don't need hospital stays. They can be treated at home, often requiring basic supportive treatments such as pain relievers and agents to stimulate appetite. However, for those in the prolonged phase of the disease, comprehensive hospital care might be essential, encompassing blood transfusions, steroids, intravenous fluids, and dietary support.

It's worth noting that dogs diagnosed with ehrlichiosis might concurrently suffer from other tick-induced illnesses, adding complexity to both diagnosis and treatment protocols. Hence, your vet will tailor a therapeutic plan best suited to your canine's conditions.

Healing And Overseeing Ehrlichiosis In Canines

In acute or silent ehrlichiosis resulting from E. canis, dogs generally show signs of improvement within a day or two of initiating treatment, boasting a promising chance of full recovery. In cases of E. ewingii infections, dogs usually show rapid recovery upon antibiotic administration. Even after healing, antibodies might linger in their bloodstream for years, even though the infection is eliminated.

However, the outlook for dogs grappling with prolonged E. canis infection remains uncertain, as this phase could be lethal. It's vital to recognize that dogs that have overcome ehrlichiosis remain susceptible to re-infection, given that immunity isn't permanent.

Ehrlichiosis doesn't transfer between dogs. If you have multiple pets that might have been exposed to ticks in the same vicinity, it's advisable to consult with your vet about potentially testing or treating all the canines in your care.

While ehrlichiosis doesn't jump from dogs to humans (non-zoonotic), humans remain vulnerable to the infection via direct tick bites. If there's any suspicion of being exposed to ehrlichiosis, immediate medical attention is paramount.

Guarding Against Ehrlichiosis In Canines

Thankfully, consistent flea and tick preventative measures can stave off most tick encounters. Numerous prevention methods are available, from topical applications to tablets and chewable meds. Your vet will guide you in choosing the most suitable protection for your furry friend.

For those residing near tick-dense woodlands, preventing your dog from venturing into such areas is advisable, especially since no vaccines against ehrlichiosis currently exist. After any outdoor escapades, always inspect your dog for ticks or fleas, ensuring safe removal. Prompt elimination of ticks serves as the most potent safeguard against potential infections.