Are there any species of Ehrlichia that affect dogs?
There are many species of Ehrlichia, but there are only a few species that affect dogs. A closely related infection affecting platelets is caused by a bacteria called Anaplasma platys and is sometimes referred to as ehrlichiosis as well (it used to be called Ehrlichia platys ).
How did ehrlichiosis become known as a dog disease?
During the Vietnam War ehrlichiosis became well known as a dog disease due to the infection and death of many military working dogs. Two types of human ehrlichiosis have been identified in the United States: human monocytic ehrlichiosis and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis.
What should I do if my dog has ehrlichiosis?
Other types of Ehrlichia tests are available to confirm a diagnosis of ehrlichiosis and can be used in complicated cases. Veterinarians most commonly prescribe the antibiotic doxycycline to treat ehrlichiosis in dogs.
Can a German Shepherd be infected with ehrlichiosis?
While any dog can be infected, some breeds, most notably German shepherds, are prone to more serious chronic infections. Retired racing greyhounds from areas where ehrlichiosis is common may suffer from chronic, undetected infections and should be checked for ehrlichiosis and other tick-borne diseases when adopted.
What are the causes of ehrlichiosis in dogs?
Canine Ehrlichiosis. Ehrlichiosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of rickettsial organisms, which are disease-causing parasites (similar to bacteria). The most common species of rickettsial organisms that cause ehrlichiosis in dogs are Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Ehrlichia ewingii. Ehrlichiosis can also infect humans,…
Can a dog test negative for ehrlichiosis?
Since the presence of antibodies to Ehrlichia canis is the basis of the most common diagnostic test, in the early stages of disease dogs may be infected yet test negative. Testing performed a few weeks later will reveal the presence of antibodies and make confirmation of the diagnosis possible.
Can a dog get Ehrlichia ewingii from a tick?
Dogs are usually only mildly ill or even inapparently infected but classically symptoms revolve around swollen stiff joints/arthritis and fever. Ehrlichia ewingii is spread by the bite of the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) as pictured on the right.
How much tetracycline to give a dog with ehrlichiosis?
For dogs living in tick-infested areas or if a large number of cases of ehrlichiosis are diagnosed in an area, some veterinarians recommend placing the dogs on low doses of tetracycline (1.3 mg per pound or 0.45 kg of body weight) or doxycycline (0.45 to 0.90 mg per pound or 0.45 kg of body weight)…
