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Ehrlichiosis (Tick Fever)

Canine Ehrlichiosis, also known as Tick Fever, is a disease carried by the brown dog tick.  The disease can be the result of only one tick or a heavy infestation.  This parasite, once in the bloodstream, will destroy the pet’s red blood cells, platelets, and even cause the white blood cells to not be produced.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s organs.  Platelets, allow the blood to clot properly, and white blood cells fight infection.  Without one or all of these cells, a pet can become very sick and even die from Ehrlichiosis.

The early signs of the disease may be fever, listlessness and depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, pale mucous membranes (gums), vomiting, and diarrhea.  These signs may initially be very mild.  Pets can be infected with the tick fever organism for weeks to years before clinical signs develop, therefore, you may not recall ever finding ticks on your pet.  It only takes the bite of one tick to spread the disease to a pet.

As the disease progresses, the dog may develop frequent nose bleeds (epistaxis).  The gums may become pale with a yellow cast (jaundice) to them.  Some animals develop a dry cough, lameness, and swollen joints may also occur.  Secondary bacterial infections are also common.

Ehrlichiosis can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample and submitting it to a laboratory for a special test.  Treatment for Ehrlichiosis may involve oral tetracycline.  Severe cases may require supportive therapy such as blood transfusions, intravenous fluids, and other nursing care.  In some cases, 3-6 months or more of therapy may be required. 

To aid in the prevention of Ehrlichiosis, tick control is imperative.  Successfully treated dogs are very susceptible to a repeat exposure of the disease.  Because of this, prevention of tick exposure is of the utmost importance.  Successful treatment prevention can be purchased from your veterinarian

If you should have any further questions, please consult your veterinarian.

Desert Hills Animal Clinic

1039 East Carefree Hwy, Suite A, Phoenix, AZ 85085

Phone: 623-581-1558    Email: DesertHillsAnimalClinic@hotmail.com