Understanding Canine Ehrlichiosis
Ticks are very harmful to pets, since they carry many kinds of illnesses and diseases. One of these tick-borne diseases is canine ehrlichiosis, caused by a kind of bacteria called Ehrlichia. Canine ehrlichiosis is called by a variety of names, including canine hemorrhagic fever, canine rickettsiosis, tracker dog disease, canine typhus, and tropical canine pancytopenia. Canine ehrlichiosis can pose serious harm to your dog if left untreated. That’s why our team at South Side Animal Clinic in Rolla is here to help you understand and prevent your dog from getting ehrlichiosis.
How Do Dogs Get Ehrlichiosis?
Dogs get ehrlichiosis in two ways. The least common way is to get a blood transfusion from a dog already infected with ehrlichiosis. The most common way is to get bitten by a tick, usually a brown dog tick, one of the most common species of dog ticks in America and Canada.
Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone to Canine Ehrlichiosis Than Others?
German Shepherds, American Pit Bulls, and Doberman Pinschers are more susceptible to getting ehrlichiosis than other dog breeds. However, all dogs are at risk of getting ehrlichiosis if they have been bitten by brown dog ticks.
Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis
Symptoms depend on what phase the disease is in. Phases of canine ehrlichiosis include:
- Acute: Your dog will have a fever, trouble walking, sudden weight loss, strange swellings on the body, difficulty breathing, and sudden bleeding.
- Clinical: Your dog will become anemic, have bleeding episodes (especially from the eyes), have swollen legs, and have internal organ damage. Your dog will probably not be able to walk.
Preventing Ehrlichiosis
The best way to prevent ehrlichiosis is to prevent tick bites. Use a topical flea and tick treatment you can get from our animal clinic. You can purchase these treatments at your dog’s next veterinary exam. Pet vaccinations are an easy way to ensure your dog is well protected. Be sure to check your dog for ticks every time he or she comes back from a walk. Brushing your dog makes it easy to check for ticks and any other lump or cut your dog may have that need looking at by a vet. The earlier a problem like canine ehrlichiosis is treated, the better your dog’s chances are at survival.
Contact Our Animal Clinic for Natural Pet Care from Our Vet in Rolla
If you still have questions about Canine Ehrlichiosis or how to better protect your dog from diseases, contact our professional staff at South Side Animal Clinic. Our holistic veterinarian is committed to providing your animal the natural pet care they need for a happy and healthy life. You can contact us through our website or by calling us at (573) 426-3647" class="piwik_ignore">(573) 426-3647 today. Someone from our holistic veterinarian clinic will contact you as soon as possible.