Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by domestic ticks. It occurs mainly in dogs, but also in horses, cats, sheep, goats, cattle, and humans. The infection causes acute fever, sometimes high. If left undiagnosed and untreated, recurrent episodes of the disease occur, with lameness and neurological disorders.
The disease is mainly caused by two types of anaplasma:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted by the European castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). This tick is native to all of Europe. It also transmits babesiosis/piroplasmosis, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis (see corresponding articles). Anaplasma phagocytophilum attacks granulocytes (white blood cells).
Anaplasma platys, on the other hand, is transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). This tick is found in southern Europe, but has also been detected in Germany. Anaplasma platys attacks thrombocytes (= blood platelets).
The anaplasmas are transmitted after the tick has been feeding for 24 hours.
After an incubation period of five to 20 days, the acute phase begins. This lasts two to four weeks. Symptoms include high fever, apathy (= listlessness), gastrointestinal disorders, nose or gum bleeding, petechiae (= pinpoint hemorrhages), lameness, and joint inflammation. This is followed by a phase in which the animals show no clinical signs. This can last for many years. Animals with a strong immune system fight off the anaplasmas during this period. If they are unable to do so, the chronic phase follows, which usually occurs in episodes. Recurrent fever, intermittent lameness, and neurological disorders such as seizures, balance and movement disorders occur. Recurrent bleeding can lead to anemia.
After a general examination, your veterinary practice will carry out blood tests to detect anaplasmosis in the preliminary report on tick bites. Due to the same orthopedic symptoms, there is a risk of confusion with Lyme disease. The same tick can even transmit both infections at the same time.
As this is a bacterial infection, it can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Treatment must be continued for a sufficient period of time, usually two to four weeks. If Lyme disease is also present, this will be treated at the same time. In some cases, several treatment intervals are necessary to completely eliminate the pathogen. Depending on the severity of the disease, further treatment measures such as blood transfusions to stabilize anemia, infusions to maintain kidney function, and medication to counteract bleeding tendencies may be necessary. Your veterinarian will discuss the exact procedure for your pet with you.
The prognosis is generally good with correct and sufficiently long treatment. If anaplasmosis is detected and treated late, permanent symptoms may occur in some cases. Permanently damaged joints can cause chronic pain. Damage to the liver, kidneys, or lungs can lead to impaired organ function and, in the worst case, organ failure.
Check your pet regularly for ticks and remove them as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of transmission of anaplasmosis and other diseases. To prevent tick bites in the first place, year-round tick prevention is recommended for dogs and cats. Various tick repellent and tick killing medications are available. You can use collars or spot-on treatments (medication that is applied to the back of the neck), for example. Never use a product intended for dogs on cats, or vice versa. This can be fatal for cats. Some dog breeds may also have intolerances. Be sure to consult your vet to find out which product is suitable for your pet.
To remove the tick correctly and completely, always use tick tweezers or a tick card. Use these to grasp the tick as close to your pet's skin as possible. Pull the tick out slowly without twisting or squeezing it. If the tick is squashed or stressed by prolonged manipulation, it will release more saliva and thus more pathogens. If the tick's mouthparts or head remain stuck in the skin after removal, this can lead to inflammation or allergic reactions.
Then thoroughly disinfect the bite area and your hands. Dispose of the tick by burning it or wrapping it in paper towel and crushing it. Alternatively, you can simply pin it between two strips of adhesive tape. Then dispose of it in the household waste. If you want to know whether the tick is infected with anaplasma or other pathogens, send it alive in a well-sealed plastic bag by post to a special laboratory.
Observe your pet for signs such as fever, tiredness, or lameness over the next few weeks. If you suspect an infection, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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This feverish infectious disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs and is not always easy to diagnose. It causes fever, joint and muscle pain, and lameness. In Germany, the pathogen is primarily transmitted by the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), with an average of one in three ticks infected.
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