Shih Tzu Expert

Here You can find everything about Shih Tzu dogs. Best dog Food, Grooming tips and advice, Training and Health issues of Shih Tzu and other small breed dogs

  • Food
  • Health
  • Dog Grooming
    • Dog Clippers
    • Other Grooming Tools
    • Grooming Products
    • Grooming Tips
  • Dog Safety
    • GPS Dog Collars
    • GPS Dog Fences
    • In ground dog fences
    • Wireless Dog Fences
  • Dog Training
  • About

Canine Ehrlichiosis Infection in Dogs : Learn how to win the war on ticks!

By Elma | Last Updated May 12, 2020

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more

The Definition: Ehrlichia Canis

What is Canine Ehrlichiosis Infection in Dogs? Dogs are among the happiest critters on the planet — except when it comes to fleas and ticks. Ticks are virtually everywhere in the world, and it’s hard to imagine that such small pests can be a dog’s worst enemy.

The Definition: Ehrlichia Canis

While the brown dog tick was originally identified as a warm or tropical climate pest, it has now adapted to environments worldwide, and this is not good news for dog owners.

Similarly, the Lone Star tick, once residing in the southeast U.S., has spread in distribution as far north as Maine.

Ticks can transmit several kinds of rickettsial bacteria from the family Ehrlichiaceae, and one variety, Erlichia Canis, is particularly detremental to dogs.

Ehrlichiosis Dog-to-Human/Canine Ehrlichiosis in Humans? Is it Zoonotic?

This illness is not “zoonotic,” meaning it cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans. But you can get this from tick bites from infected ticks! https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/index.html

Is Canine Ehrlichiosis Contagious to Other Dogs?

This is not contagious; it cannot be transmitted between dogs, humans, or between dogs and humans. It can only be transmitted through the brown dog or Lone Star tick.

s Canine Ehrlichiosis Contagious to Other Dogs?

The severity of Canine Ehrlichiosis depends on the age of your dog, the concentration of the bacteria transmitted, and any pre-existing medical conditions your dog might have. Some breeds are more susceptible, particularly the German Shepherd and Greyhound.

Canine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis vs Monocytic Ehrlichiosis

Both dogs and humans can contract two other forms of Ehrlichiosis in the U.S.: granulocytic ehrlichiosis and monocytic ehrlichiosis. The “granulocytic” variety affects smaller white blood cells, while the “monocytic” variety affects the larger ones. It is difficult to determine in humans whether the illness might be tick-borne Ehrlichiosis, lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, or another type of bacterial infection. All present a variety of similar symptoms.

Differential Diagnoses

Just as there are differential diagnoses in humans, there are also differential diagnoses in dogs. Canine Ehrlichiosis can be mistaken for other diseases. One way to determine if your dog has contracted Canine Ehrlichiosis is to have your vet run a “Titer test” (such as the ELISA and IFA tests) on the blood serum to detect antibodies at about a week after you know or suspect your dog has been bitten by a brown dog tick, and then another one a week or more after. This test, however, does not tell whether there is actually an infection.

Differential Diagnoses

There are also instances of two types of bacteria affecting your dog at the same time. Just as humans can suffer from multiple strains of Ehrlichiaceae bacteria, dogs can also contract both Canine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis and Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis. This is what makes the illness so complicated and difficult to pinpoint.

Let’s look at the symptoms, treatments and prevention measures for this baffling and potentially serious illness.

What are the Canine Ehrlichiosis Infection in Dogs Clinical Signs and Symptoms?

Dogs will become infected with ehrlichia canis if bitten by a tick long enough for the tick to start feed off the dog’s blood by burying its head within the skin.

What are the Canine Ehrlichiosis Clinical Signs and Symptoms?

Healthy dogs may feel minor symptoms like low energy or appetite, but will be able to fight it naturally. Dogs with any condition that compromises their immune systems are susceptible to more severe symptoms and stages of the disease.

Incubation period

In the acute phase, generally about one to three weeks after a tick bite, your dog may feel weak, have a fever, and have swollen lymph glands as he is fighting off an infection. Other symptoms include weight loss and a weak appetite, congested breathing, diarrhea, and/or a runny or bloody nose. A visit to the vet may reveal his platelet counts are low. At this stage, it is still difficult to pinpoint Ehrlichiosis and the particular strain contracted.

Incubation period

Weaker dogs will go on to feel stronger symptoms in a subacute phase, which can extend over a long period of time. Anemia is likely to result from your dog’s attempt to fight off the bacterial infection. At this stage, the bacteria will dwell in the spleen. Diagnostic tests like the FA or ELISA test will yield more accurate results on antibodies as it takes some weeks for your dog to produce them.

In a chronic phase, a severely compromised dog will lose the ability to produce bone marrow and suffer hemorrhaging and anemia as his white cell and platelet counts drop. The disease at this stage can become fatal. Some dogs suffer ehrlichiosis dog seizure in the chronic phase of this disease, and others require treatment for inflammation of internal organs, particularly the kidneys due to a drop in proteins.

If you feel a tick on your dog, either just starting to embed its head or fully engorged in the skin of your dog, pay a visit to your vet right away. Removing the entire tick, including the head, lessens chances for an infection. In fact, it takes 24 hours for the bacteria to be transmitted.

If your dog seems less active or less hungry than usual and has a fever, these may be signs your dog had a tick that went unnoticed, and he is fighting off the effects of the ehrlichiosis bacteria. Your vet will want to take some precautionary measures by running serum antibody tests and prescribing antibiotics.

Canine Ehrlichiosis Home Treatment and Natural Treatment

There are other tests to determine the cause of a fever and lethargy, signaling an infection; however, these tests are not reliable until several weeks after your dog has been bitten by a tick. These tests include a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and a special test called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), although rare, which can isolate the DNA for Ehrlichia Canis.

What your vet is looking for is a diminishing number of platelets that allow for the blood to clot; a reduced amount of red blood cells, which causes anemia; a lower number of the white blood cells called neutrophils; and an increase in the number of lymphocytes, which indicates infection. A urinalysis will show if your dog has any stress or damage to the kidneys due to a drop in proteins.

My dog has ehrlichiosis what to do now? Is there a cure?

Treating Canine Ehrlichiosis

The good news is that two powerful antibiotics among others are used to treat Ehrlichiosis when it is diagnosed — doxycycline and tetracycline — and these are quite effective. If there is inflammation, your vet may prescribe a medication to reduce pain. This strategy is effective in most healthy dogs and they can fully recover. Others will have lingering signs of the illness, and your vet will continue to monitor your dog’s blood counts and ease the symptoms.

Canine Ehrlichiosis Doxycycline Dosage and Tetracycline Dosage

Once diagnosed, medical literature suggests that dogs be given doxycycline every 12 hours, or tetracycline every 8 hours, for four weeks during the acute and subacute phase. However, the longer your dog has been infected, the longer it may take to treat the illness with antibiotics. It is also argued that antibiotics given in the very early stages after a tick bite may not prevent the infection from spreading.

Preventing Canine Ehrlichiosis

During the treatment phase, you will want to watch closely for any bleeding or worsening anemia. This indicates the platelet counts are very low and a blood transfusion may be necessary.

In healthy dogs, when antibiotics are given at the most optimal time, the Canine Ehrlichiosis prognosis is good.

Canine Ehrlichiosis Home Treatment and Natural Treatment

There are some natural antibiotic remedies for human use that can be used in conjunction with medical treatments in the fight against Canine Ehrlichia. While ginger has been known to help with inflammation and nausea in humans and dogs, licorice can be toxic to dogs and should never be used.

The only way to fight Canine Ehrlichia is with antibiotics and a rigorous tick prevention routine.

Preventing Canine Ehrlichiosis

Unfortunately there is no Canine Ehrlichiosis vaccine at this time. The best defense against contracting the illness in the first place is the consistent use of tick-prevention treatments that keep ticks from wanting to bite, and also killing them once they land on your dog’s body.

There is a 95 -100% efficacy rate for topical “spot-on” monthly tick prevention treatments. Remember, your dog can be reinfected with Canine Ehrlichiosis, so it is important to make tick (and flea) prevention treatments an ongoing ritual.

The War on Ticks

From the U.S. to Europe and the U.K., and from Asia to Australia and South America, the tick continues to be a parasite of concern for humans and their pets. While a single tick bite may seem harmless and at most irritating, the bacterial strains it can transmit from one bite can have far-reaching health consequences for dogs.

The War on Ticks

If a tick has bitten your dog, early action can save you and your pet a long and complicated canine illness. Due to the complexity of this disease, with its possible combination of multiple strains of bacterial infection and its similar symptoms to other diseases, it is important to have tests done for both antibody and blood count to determine Canine Ehrlichiosis.
Antibiotics show great improvement in most dogs, but your vet will want to monitor signs for recurring infection during health check-ups long after Canine Ehrlichiosis has been diagnosed.
Until a vaccine is discovered for Canine Ehrlichiosis, a monthly tick “spot on” prevention treatment is a pet owner’s best defense against the mighty tick, along with a careful inspection of your dog’s coat after being outdoors. With a little protection and a watchful eye, you and your dog can still enjoy the great outdoors wherever you are!

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: Canine Ehrlichiosis Infection in Dogs

Dog Grooming Tools

Best Dog Dryers

Best Dog Dryers : Things to think about before purchasing!

Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair

Best Dog Clippers for Matted Hair [Pet Safe]

Best Dog Clippers

7 Best Dog Clippers for Professional Use [Ultimate Guide]

Best Dog Clippers for Poodles

Best Dog Clippers for Poodles [Safe & Easy to Use]

Best Dog Clippers for Shih Tzu

12 Best Dog Clippers for Shih Tzu [Fun & Easy Grooming]

How to find the best brush for Shih Tzu

How to find the best brush for Shih Tzu — it’s Easier than you think!

Dog Grooming Products

Andis Pulse ZR II 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper

Andis Pulse ZR II 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper

Most Popular

8 Week Old Puppy Always Hungry

Is It Ok If My Dog Skips A Meal?

Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Gefilte Fish?

Dog Hates Rice?

Can Dogs Eat Cornish Hens?

Pet Safety & Training

Can I Use Liquid Bandage On Dogs?

Why Does My Dog Scratch The Floor?

NAVIGATE OUR TOP 6 Shih Tzu Brushes

  • Which Brush Should I Be Using on my Pet?
  • What you should know before buying a dog brush
  • Top 6 Brushes List 2018
  • Best Brush to buy in 2018
  • Best Brush Under $25
  • Best Slicker Brush for 2018
  • Best Dematting Brush for 2018
  • Best DeShedding Brush for 2018
  • Buyer’s guide to Shih Tzu Brushes
  • How to Brush Like a Pro? Tips and Tricks

Top clippers for Shih Tzu

  • What to Look for When Buying a Dog clipper
  • Top Dog clippers List
  • Top Rated Dog Clipper 2018
  • Budget Friendly Dog Clipper (Under $50)
  • Best Advanced & Budget Friendly Dog Clipper (Under $200)
  • Best clipper for Shih Tzu
  • Best Dog Clipper for Beginners
  • Best Professional Dog Clippers
  • Dog Clipper Basics and Crucial Safety Tips
  • Dog Clippers (Buyer’s Guide)
  • Best Dog Clipper for Sensitive Skin
  • How to Use Your Dog Clippers Like a Pro

Best Shampoo for Shih Tzu

  • What to Look for When Buying Dog Shampoo
  • Best Dog Shampoos 2018
  • Top Rated Dog Shampoo 2018
  • Budget Friendly Dog Shampoo
  • Best Dog Shampoo for Allergies
  • Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
  • Best overall Ingredients for Shih Tzu
  • Best Organic Shampoo
  • Shampoo with the Best Natural Ingredients
  • Dog Shampoo (Buyer’s Guide)
  • Dog Shampoo and Grooming Basics and Crucial Safety Tips

Best food and water bowl for Shih Tzu

  • What to Look for When Buying a Dog Bowl
  • Top Dog Bowls List
  • Top Rated Dog Bowl 2018
  • Budget Friendly Dog Bowl
  • Best Dog Bowls for Dogs with Digestion issues
  • Best Advanced & Budget Friendly Dog Drinking station
  • Best Food and Water Bowl for Shih Tzu
  • Best Dog Bowls for Elderly dogs
  • Best Dog Bowl for Puppies
  • Best Dog Bowls for Large dogs
  • Dog Bowls (Buyer’s Guide) and Crucial Safety Tips

Shih Tzu haircuts

  • Shih Tzu haircuts: The hairstyles and Types
  • Shih Tzu Haircut Tutorial
  • I Accidently Cut My Dog Whilst Grooming!
  • My Groomer Cut My Dog… What To Do?

Scholarship

Best dog Food for Shih Tzu A Buyer’s Guide

  • What to Look for When Buying Dog Food for MY Shih Tzu?
  • Top Rated Dog Foods List 2018
  • Best Food for Shih Tzu 2018
  • Best Budget Friendly Dog Food
  • Best Dog Food for Puppies
  • Best Food for Adults
  • Best dog food for picky Shih Tzu
  • Best Dog Food for Allergies
  • Best Dog Food for Dog with Sensitive Skin issues
  • Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
  • Best Budget Food that is Grain Free
  • Dog Food (Buyer’s Guide)
  • Dog Food Basics and Crucial Safety Tips – A Guide to Safely Switching Foods
  • How to Prolong the Life of your Pet?
  • How much should I feed my dog?
  • About The Shih Tzu Expert and the Team!
  • Contact us
  • Terms of Services
  • Privacy Policy
  • How We Review
  • Dog Clippers
  • Wireless Dog Fences

This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to
Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Privacy Policy

You can contact me at adam@shihtzuexpert.com

Disclaimer

We  shihtzuexpert.com do not intend to provide veterinary advice!.Even in our veterinary approved articles! Our comprehensive and well researched articles are for information purposes only.  Please always seek advice from your own veterinarian for any medical, health issues etc

 

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in