As highly experienced veterinarians, we want to help your canine companion stay healthy
Anaplasmosis is another tick-borne disease that we would like to discuss here at MCAH. We cannot stress enough how vital it is to protect your pets from parasites. It’s hard to protect your pet from diseases that you don’t know exist. Most people, pet owners, and otherwise, know about the dangers of ticks. However, knowing a condition by name is crucial, along with being aware of its symptoms and signs. Therefore, today, we’re here to provide a guide on Anaplasmosis. Continue reading for some valuable and vital information.
What is Anaplasmosis?
A less scientific name for this disease is dog fever or dog tick fever. The bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes Anaplasmosis, and transmission occurs by deer tick bites and infects white blood cells. Anaplasma platys, found in the brown dog tick, impacts blood clotting cells or “platelets.” Anaplasmosis can also affect people and is common throughout the United States and Canada. These kinds of ticks are prevalent throughout the Northeast United States with almost 3000 cases of Anaplasmosis diagnosed in Maryland so far this year.
What Are The Symptoms?
If your dog has the A. phagocytophilum form of the disease, then they may experience a wide range of symptoms one to seven days after becoming infected. The most prevalent symptoms include bruising and bleeding. Specifically, nose bleeding is common. Other symptoms include fever, lower energy, a change in their gait or walk, joint pain, vomiting, coughing, and trouble breathing.
How is Anaplasmosis Diagnosed?
It’s often hard to distinguish Anaplasmosis from Lyme disease. However, if a veterinarian suspects that your pet may have the condition, then they can run blood tests to detect antibodies and determine if the active disease is present. In some cases, doctors can see the actual bacterium under a microscope.
How to Prevent the Disease and Treat It
We recommend Bravecto for tick prevention. It’s an FDA-approved product that kills external parasites that may try and feast on your pet. You won’t have to worry about refills for a full 12 weeks! For dogs, we offer a chewable tablet. Other things you can do to help protect your pet include regularly checking your pet for ticks and maintaining your landscape in a way that won’t promote ticks making it their hideout. If your dog does contract Anaplasmosis, then we will treat them with an antibiotic.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!