Anaplasmosis in Dogs: Does It Go Away On Its Own?

Anaplasmosis in dogs does not go away on its own. It is a bacterial infection that always requires veterinary treatment. This condition, caused by specific bacteria, necessitates antibiotics for resolution. Without proper treatment, anaplasmosis can lead to severe and potentially fatal health complications for affected dogs.

Key Takeaways on Canine Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a significant concern for dog owners due to its tick-borne nature and the necessity of treatment. Understanding its core aspects is vital for prevention and prompt action.

• Tick-Borne Disease: The primary cause of anaplasmosis in dogs is the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This bacterium is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick, or a brown dog tick. According to Egg Harbor Township vets, it is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs.

• Treatment is Essential: Anaplasmosis will never resolve without medical intervention. Prompt and appropriate treatment, typically with antibiotics, is crucial for a dog's recovery and to prevent serious long-term effects.

• Geographic Risk: While found across the United States, higher rates of anaplasmosis are reported in specific regions. These include the Northeast, the upper Midwest, and the West Coast, as noted by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

• Variable Symptoms: The presentation of anaplasmosis can vary significantly among dogs. Some dogs may be asymptomatic, meaning they show no signs of illness. Others may exhibit flu-like symptoms, lameness, or, in more severe cases, bleeding problems.

• Prevention is Key: The most effective strategy to protect dogs from anaplasmosis is year-round tick prevention. This proactive measure significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Anaplasmosis Symptoms Checklist

Recognizing the symptoms of anaplasmosis is crucial for early detection and treatment. While some dogs may show no signs, others can develop a range of symptoms.

• Fever: An elevated body temperature is a common indicator of infection.
• Lethargy/Low Energy: Dogs may appear unusually tired or unwilling to engage in normal activities.
• Loss of Appetite: A decrease in food intake can be a sign of discomfort or illness.
• Lameness or Joint Pain: Dogs might limp or show reluctance to move, sometimes exhibiting "shifting leg lameness" where different legs are affected at different times.
• Swollen Joints: Visible swelling around the joints can occur due to inflammation.
• Neck Pain: Some dogs may show signs of discomfort or stiffness in their neck.
• Breathing Difficulties: Labored or unusual breathing can indicate a more severe progression of the disease.
• Vomiting and Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset can be present in some cases.
• Bleeding Problems: Though rare, serious signs include nosebleeds, easy bruising, or bleeding gums. These indicate the infection has affected blood clotting.
• Seizures: In very rare and severe instances, neurological signs like seizures can occur.

According to veterinary experts, if your dog begins to show any of these symptoms, especially after potential tick exposure, you should bring them to a vet as soon as possible.

Diagnosis & Treatment Steps

Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are paramount for managing anaplasmosis in dogs. The process typically involves a combination of physical examination, specific blood tests, and antibiotic therapy.

Veterinary Examination

The first step in diagnosing anaplasmosis is a thorough veterinary examination. Your veterinarian will assess your dog's overall health, evaluate any visible symptoms, and discuss your dog's history, including any recent tick exposure or travel to high-risk areas. This initial assessment helps the vet determine the likelihood of a tick-borne illness.

Blood Tests

Several blood tests are used to diagnose anaplasmosis and assess the dog's health.

• Antibody Tests: Tests like the 4Dx snap test can detect antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A positive antibody test indicates that the dog has been exposed to the bacteria. However, as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains, "A positive antibody test does not necessarily indicate active infection needing treatment, but rather previous exposure, which can remain detectable for several months."
• Follow-up Blood Work: To confirm an active infection and evaluate its severity, your veterinarian may recommend additional blood work. This often includes a complete blood count (CBC) to check for abnormalities in blood cells, which can be affected by anaplasmosis. This helps determine if active treatment is required.

Antibiotic Therapy

Once an active anaplasmosis infection is confirmed, antibiotic therapy is the standard course of action.

• Doxycycline: Doxycycline is the antibiotic commonly prescribed for anaplasmosis. It is highly effective against the Anaplasma bacteria.
• Response to Treatment: A key indicator of successful treatment is how quickly the dog responds to the medication. "After starting medication, dogs often start to feel better in 1-2 days," states Cornell University. This rapid improvement is a positive sign.
• Full Course Completion: Even if symptoms resolve quickly, it is critically important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian. Stopping medication prematurely can lead to a relapse or the development of antibiotic resistance.

Tools & Products for Prevention and Removal

Preventing tick bites and promptly removing any ticks found are the best defenses against anaplasmosis. A range of products is available to help dog owners achieve this.

Tick Preventatives

Year-round tick prevention is highly recommended, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent.

• Oral Medications (Chewables): These are popular options that provide systemic protection against ticks. They are often given monthly and work by killing ticks that attach and feed on the dog. Examples include products containing afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner.
• Topical Treatments (Spot-ons): Applied directly to the dog's skin, typically between the shoulder blades, these treatments spread over the skin and hair follicles, killing or repelling ticks. They usually last for about a month.
• Collars: Tick collars release active ingredients that either repel or kill ticks. It's important to choose a collar specifically designed for tick prevention and ensure it fits correctly.

Tick Removal Tools

Despite preventative measures, ticks can sometimes still attach. Having the right tools for safe and effective removal is essential.

• Fine-tipped Tweezers: These are effective for grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Tick Removers (Hooks, Loops): Specialized tools like tick hooks or loops are designed to safely grasp and twist the tick out without squeezing its body, which can reduce the risk of disease transmission.

When removing a tick, it's crucial to do so carefully to ensure the entire tick, including its mouthparts, is removed. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly.

Risks & When to See a Vet

While anaplasmosis is treatable, it carries significant risks if left undiagnosed or untreated. Understanding these risks and knowing when to seek immediate veterinary care can be life-saving for your dog.

Untreated Complications

Anaplasmosis is a disease that always requires treatment and "can not go away on its own," according to Egg Harbor Township vets. Undiagnosed and untreated anaplasmosis can lead to severe health complications.

• Respiratory Failure: The infection can impact the respiratory system, leading to severe breathing difficulties.
• Organ Failure: Untreated anaplasmosis can progress to affect vital organs, potentially causing organ failure.
• Severe Bleeding Problems: The bacteria can affect blood cells and platelets, leading to serious bleeding issues such as nosebleeds or internal hemorrhages.
• Chronic Anaplasmosis: In some cases, dogs may develop a chronic form of the disease, leading to long-term health issues.
• Death: In very severe cases, especially when left untreated, anaplasmosis in dogs can be fatal.

Emergency Situations

Anaplasmosis can rapidly escalate from a mild illness to a life-threatening emergency. Source 3 emphasizes that "Anaplasmosis in dogs can transform from a mild illness to a life-threatening emergency faster than many pet owners realize." It is critical to seek immediate veterinary care if your dog exhibits any of the following severe symptoms:

• High Fever: A significantly elevated body temperature.
• Extreme Lethargy or Collapse: Your dog is unresponsive, unable to stand, or shows profound weakness.
• Noticeable Limping or Inability to Walk: Severe lameness or paralysis.
• Bleeding from the Nose or Gums: Any unexplained bleeding is a serious concern.
• Severe Breathing Problems: Labored, rapid, or gasping breaths.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.

If any of these symptoms appear, contact an emergency veterinary clinic immediately before heading there to inform them of your arrival.

Chronic Effects

Even after successful treatment, some dogs may experience lasting effects. "In some cases, dogs may develop a chronic form of anaplasmosis or suffer lasting effects from the acute infection," notes Source 2. These chronic issues can vary and may require ongoing management.

Persistent Positive Test

It's important to understand that a dog may continue to test positive for Anaplasma antibodies for several months after successful treatment. This does not necessarily indicate an active infection requiring further treatment. Your veterinarian will interpret these results in conjunction with your dog's clinical signs and may recommend follow-up testing to determine if any additional intervention is needed.

Anaplasmosis FAQ