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bacterial disease Dog Transmissible to humans

Canine anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma which parasitize blood cells. Two forms exist in dogs: one affects white blood cells and causes fever and joint pain, the other attacks platelets, cells that all...

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Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Zoonosis Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma which parasitize blood cells.

Two forms exist in dogs: one affects white blood cells and causes fever and joint pain, the other attacks platelets, cells that allow blood to clot, and results in bleeding.

It belongs to the same family of diseases as canine ehrlichiosis and piroplasmosis, with which it shares its vectors and is often confused; these diseases are the subject of separate files.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Fever Reduction Loss of appetite Lameness Pain Pale mucous membranes Nosebleed Swollen lymph nodes Fatigue Vomiting

Sudden onset fever, often the first sign.

Marked depression, refusal to move, loss of appetite.

Lameness changing paws, painful and sometimes swollen joints: the dog walks stiffly, as if it hurts everywhere.

Lymph nodes increased in volume.

In the form affecting the platelets: nosebleeds, small red dots on the gums or stomach, bruises, blood in the stools or urine.

Pale mucous membranes if anemia sets in.

Vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs.

Many infected dogs show no signs and are discovered during screening.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Intracellular bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, mainly Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which infects white blood cells, and Anaplasma platys, which infects platelets.

The bacteria is introduced into the body through the saliva of a tick during a blood meal.

The signs result from both bacterial multiplication and the reaction of the immune system, which destroys its own infected blood cells.

Dogs living or walking in tick-infested areas: brush, tall grass, kennels, unmaintained gardens.

Lack of regular external antiparasitic treatment.

Hunting, herding, stray or shelter dogs.

Hot season, but prolonged risk in regions with mild winters.

Dogs already carrying another tick-borne disease.

Old, very young or immunocompromised dogs, in whom the disease is more pronounced.

Transmission

Only by tick bites; there is no contagion between dogs or from dog to human by contact.

The brown dog tick, very present in warm regions and in homes, plays an important role for Anaplasma platys; other ticks transmit Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

The tick must remain attached for a certain time to transmit the bacteria: rapid removal reduces the risk, without eliminating it.

Transmission is most intense during periods of tick activity, which extend over much of the year in mild climates.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian relies on clinical signs, exposure to ticks and especially blood tests.

The blood count typically shows a drop in platelets; anemia is possible.

Rapid antibody screening tests, available in clinics, guide the diagnosis; they often explore several tick-borne diseases at once.

A molecular test looking for the DNA of the bacteria provides confirmation.

The presence of antibodies indicates contact with the bacteria but does not always indicate an active disease: the interpretation is up to the veterinarian, who cross-references the results with the dog's condition.

The assessment also looks for associated, frequent infections.

Treatment

An antibiotic treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, continued for a defined period of time even if the dog gets better quickly.

The improvement is often clear within a few days, which should never lead to interrupting the treatment.

Supportive care accompanies severe forms: infusion, rest, pain management.

If there is significant bleeding or severe anemia, a transfusion may be necessary.

Other tick-borne diseases present at the same time are treated together.

Any ticks still present on the dog are removed and an external antiparasitic treatment is put in place.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Regular external antiparasitic treatment against ticks, prescribed by the veterinarian and adapted to the lifestyle and the region, without interruption during the risky season.

Daily inspection of the dog after each outing: neck, ears, armpits, groin, spaces between the fingers.

Quick removal of ticks with a suitable hook, without ether, without alcohol and without crushing them.

Garden maintenance: grass cut, brush removed, corners and niches treated if necessary.

Environmental treatment in case of infestation by the brown tick, which hides in cracks in walls and kennels.

Screening of dogs coming from areas with a high density of ticks.

Possible complications

Severe bleeding from platelet collapse.

Marked anemia requiring transfusion.

Persistent joint damage with chronic pain.

Renal or nervous damage in rare forms.

More serious course in case of simultaneous infection by several agents transmitted by ticks.

Prolonged carriage in certain dogs, with relapses during drops in immunity.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog has a fever, is down and refuses to eat.

He limps on one leg then another, or walks stiffly.

He has a nosebleed or you see small red dots on his gums or stomach.

His gums are pale or he gets unusually tired.

You have removed ticks in recent weeks and his behavior has changed.

There is blood in his urine or stools: consult without delay.

Transmission to humans

Anaplasma phagocytophilum can infect humans, but never through contact with a dog: contamination only occurs through the bite of a tick.

The dog plays the role of sentinel: a canine case in a home indicates that ticks present around the house can also bite the inhabitants.

The precautions are the same for the whole family: covering clothing in areas of tall grass, inspection of the skin after an outing, rapid removal of any attached tick.

A tick removed from a person, followed by fever or unusual fatigue, should lead to consultation with a doctor.

Crushing a tick with bare hands should be avoided: the parasite's fluids can contaminate a wound or mucous membranes.

Prognosis

Good in the majority of cases when treatment is started quickly: the signs often resolve within a few days.

More reserved in weakened dogs, in cases of profound anemia, significant bleeding or associated infections.

Some dogs remain carriers and can relapse, which justifies monitoring and, above all, rigorous prevention against ticks.

Frequently asked questions

My dog tested positive in a rapid test but he is doing very well: should he be treated?

Not necessarily. A positive test can mean simple past contact with the bacteria. The veterinarian completes with a blood count and possibly a molecular test before deciding.

How long does a tick have to be attached to transmit the disease?

It takes some time to set, which makes rapid removal very useful. But the time frame varies depending on the agent transmitted: it is better to consider that any attached tick presents a risk and remove it immediately.

Is this disease the same as ehrlichiosis or piroplasmosis?

No, they are different diseases, but they are transmitted by the same ticks and give similar signs. A dog can also combine them, which explains why the veterinarian often looks for them together.

Is there a vaccine?

No. Protection is entirely based on the fight against ticks: regular external antiparasitic treatment, inspection after outings and maintenance of the environment.