Ehrlichiosis (Tick Bite Fever) in Dogs

What is Ehrlichiosis (Tick Bite Fever)?

Ehrlichiosis is commonly called Tick Bite Fever. It is a serious infectious disease that affects dogs in South Africa. It is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis. Dogs get it from the bite of infected brown dog ticks. If not treated, it can cause severe health problems. It can even lead to death in some cases.

How Dogs Contract Ehrlichiosis

Dogs contract the diseases when they are bitten by an infected brown dog tick. Ticks can be found throughout South Africa. They are most active in the warmer months. When a tick bites a dog, it can give the dog the Ehrlichia canis bacteria. This can infect the dog’s bloodstream.

Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

The symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease, but may include:

• Fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• Bleeding disorders (nosebleeds, bruising)
• Neurological problems (seizures, incoordination)
• Eye inflammation or discharge
• Respiratory distress
• Edema (swelling) of the legs or scrotum

Dogs generallay show mild symptoms at first. These include fever, tiredness, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the disease worsens.

Causes and Transmission

The bacterium Ehrlichia canis causes ehrlichiosis. It spreads from the bite of infected brown dog ticks. These ticks are common in South Africa and are most active in warmer months.

When an infected tick bites a dog, it injects the bacteria into the dog’s bloodstream. The bacteria then spread through the body. They infect the white blood cells and cause inflammation and damage to organs.

Diagnosing Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has Ehrlichiosis, contact your vet right away. They will do a physical exam. They may recommend blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The most common diagnostic tests include:

• The Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures levels of red and white blood cells. It also measures levels of platelets in your dog’s blood. Dogs with Ehrlichiosis often have low red blood cell and platelet counts.
• A blood smear is a sample of your dog’s blood. It is examined with a microscope.. The goal is to find Ehrlichia canis bacteria inside the white blood cells. This test detects antibodies against Ehrlichia canis in your dog’s blood. The antibodies show exposure to the bacteria.
• The PCR Test detects the DNA of the Ehrlichia canis bacteria in your dog’s blood. It confirms active infection.

Treatment Options

If the vet diagnoses your dog with Ehrlichiosis, they will give antibiotics. The antibiotics kill the bacteria. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doxirobe) is the best antibiotic for Ehrlichiosis. You usually administer by mouth for 28-42 days.

Minocycline is an antibiotic. It is sometimes used instead of doxycycline. It is also taken by mouth for 28-42 days.

In severe cases, extra supportive care may be necessary, such as:

• Blood transfusions to treat anemia
• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever and inflammation
• Pain relief medications

You must follow your vet’s treatment plan. Give all medications as directed, even if your dog’s symptoms improve. Failure to complete the full course of antibiotics can lead to a relapse of the disease.

Prognosis and Long-Term Effects

With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most dogs recover fully. Yet, in some cases, dogs may get chronic infections. They may also get long-term health problems, such as:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Neurological disorders
• Arthritis
• Bleeding disorders

Regular check-ups with your vet are important. They help watch your dog’s health and find any problems early.

Preventing Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

The best way to protect your dog is to prevent tick bites. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

• Use tick control products. Use vet-recommended ones. These include spot-on treatments like Frontline and Advantix. They also include collars like Seresto, and oral meds like Bravecto and NexGard.
• Check for ticks daily. Look at your dog’s coat and skin for ticks often, especially after time outdoors. Remove any ticks using tweezers or a tick removal tool.

• Maintain a clean environment: Keep your yard and home free of tall grass, brush, and debris where ticks can hide. Consider treating your outdoor areas with tick control products.

• Avoid tick-infested areas. When walking with your dog, stick to well-kept trails. Avoid tall grass or dense vegetation where you are more likely to find ticks.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

If you suspect your dog has Ehrlichiosis or see any of the following signs, contact your vet right away:

• Fever
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising
• Neurological symptoms (seizures, incoordination)
• Eye inflammation or discharge
• Respiratory distress

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcome.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Some breeds may be more prone to severe infections or complications. These include:

• German Shepherds
• Siberian Huskies
• Rottweilers
• Doberman Pinschers

If you own one of these breeds, be extra vigilant about tick prevention and watch for any signs of illness.

References and Citations

1. Allison, R. W., & Little, S. E. (2013). Diagnosis of rickettsial diseases in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 42(2), 127-144. https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.12040
2. Harrus, S., & Waner, T. (2011). Diagnosis of canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): An overview. The Veterinary Journal, 187(3), 292-296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.02.001
3. Neer, T. M., Breitschwerdt, E. B., Greene, R. T., & Lappin, M. R. (2002). Consensus statement on ehrlichial disease of small animals from the infectious disease study group of the ACVIM. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 16(3), 309-315. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2002.tb02374.x
4. Shipov, A., Klement, E., Reuveni-Tager, L., Waner, T., & Harrus, S. (2008). Prognostic indicators for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 153(1-2), 131-138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.01.009
5. South African Veterinary Association. (2021). Ehrlichiosis in dogs. https://www.sava.co.za/2021/03/15/ehrlichiosis-in-dogs/