Tick-borne diseases in dogs

A tick bite is not only an unpleasant itching and a slight erythema. Tick-borne diseases in dogs can have a very acute course and threaten not only the health, but also the life of our pet if it is not properly protected with anti-tick products. What can threaten your pet after being bitten by these arachnids?

Babesiosis

One of the most common and dangerous tick-borne diseases in dogs is babesiosis, caused by the protozoan Babesia, which, along with the saliva of the tick, enters the bloodstream of the animal, attacking red blood cells and leading to their breakdown, resulting in anemia. Symptoms of babesiosis, commonly known as babesiosis, appear within a few days of the bite. The dog loses its appetite, is weakened and lethargic. Mucous membranes turn pale, fever appears, and with time, urinary problems, diarrhea, weight loss and respiratory failure.

Anaplasmosis

Another tick-borne disease that can infect dogs in all regions of Poland is anaplasmosis. Unlike babesiosis, it does not attack red blood cells, but platelets and granulocytes. Symptoms appear a week or even two after contact with an infected tick. Symptoms are uncharacteristic – fever, weakness, muscle soreness, diarrhea and vomiting. There may also be blood clotting disorders that result in nosebleeds or hematuria.

Lyme disease

Well known among humans, Lyme disease, relatively rarely happens to our four-legged dogs. However, the danger should not be ignored – it is assumed that up to one in three ticks can transmit the disease. After a bite, a lump appears at the site of the insertion, which then develops into an erythema. Over time, the dog becomes lethargic, has an elevated temperature, loses its appetite and shows great sensitivity to touch. Joint problems appear – inflammation and lameness, and if the disease is not diagnosed early enough, neurological disorders may appear.

Erlichiosis

This disease is also relatively rare, but extremely dangerous. Its incubation period ranges from 4 to 11 days. Once the microorganisms enter the animal’s body, they multiply and spread, leading to bone marrow damage, destruction of thrombocytes and pancytopenia. Symptoms are not very characteristic: initially there is apathy, general weakness and fever. In the acute course of tick-borne disease, there may be significant weight loss, bleeding from mucous membranes and enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes. Purulent and mucous nasal discharge, diarrhea, vomiting, arthritis and convulsions and paralysis also occur. Failure to provide adequate treatment can even result in the death of the animal. However, with prompt action, full recovery is possible.