All dogs would be happy dogs if they were never afflicted by parasites, viruses and bacteria in their lives.
Unfortunately, this is almost impossible, and this is how a dog can get anaplasmosis, for example.
But what are Anaplasmosis Symptoms in the Dog? We will now explain how you can recognize this and what treatment options are available.
Anaplasmosis symptoms in dogs: what are the typical signs?
If a dog has anaplasmosis, you can recognize it by the following signs of anaplasmosis: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and swollen joints.
You can also recognize anaplasmosis in dogs by the fact that they feel uncomfortable, i.e. they don’t seem to be quite themselves.
Other signs of anaplasmosis in dogs also include chills, vomiting and headaches.
Below we take a closer look at these and other signs of anaplasmosis in dogs.
Fatigue & sudden fever
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. If there is an intruder in the organism, it naturally fights against it.
Fatigue in the dog is a sign of anaplasmosis, which can also be accompanied by a sudden fever.
It is also not uncommon for the dog to also suffer from chills due to the fever.
You can recognize anaplasmosis in dogs by these three symptoms.
loss of appetite
If a dog is ill, it is usually no longer very hungry – a logical consequence, unfortunately. Have you noticed that your dog is hardly eating?
Then you can possibly recognize anaplasmosis in dogs.
Decreased appetite can also be accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
neurological symptoms
Neurological symptoms can also indicate anaplasmosis in dogs.
Classic neurological symptoms include muscle cramps, tremors and lameness, but headaches can also occur.
IMPORTANT
These and all other symptoms can also be caused by other (nervous) diseases – please keep a close eye on the symptoms and make a note of them.
Swollen/inflamed joints
The anaplasma – the causative agents of anaplasmosis – attack the white blood cells, which in turn are responsible for the body’s immune system.
However, since they can no longer work properly, there is increased inflammation, including in the joints.
These then swell up and cause the dog a lot of pain.
Enlarged organs
The liver and spleen are particularly affected, but of course you cannot see this as a sign of anaplasmosis in dogs at first glance.
Low blood platelets & anemia
Anemia, or anaemia, is another sign you can use to identify anaplasmosis in dogs.
The anaplasmas only attack certain white blood cells. Nevertheless, anemia can occur and a blood platelet deficiency is not uncommon.
A blood test can confirm these signs, as the blood count has changed significantly.
In addition, anemia can be recognized by the pale mucous membranes, especially in the dog’s mouth.
When should I see the vet and what are the treatment options for anaplasmosis in dogs?
Already some of the mentioned symptoms should tell you take your fur nose to the vet immediately leave – because they are not to be taken lightly.
diagnosis
To diagnose anaplasmosis in dogs, a blood smear must be taken and examined under a microscope.
If the dog is acutely infected with anaplasma, this can be recognized directly.
Treatment
Anaplasmosis in dogs is treated by administering an antibiotic containing the active ingredient doxycycline.
This is contained, among other things, in the drug Doxybactin for dogs.
The doxycycline dose is between 5 and 10 mg, the dog is treated with the antibiotic for 14 days.
Good to know
Since doxycycline attacks the intestinal flora, a concomitantly administered probiotic for dogs is necessary, such as Flora Complex for dogs.
The symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs can also be treated.
Here, too, certain medications are usually used, which depend on the signs.
If the dog has a fever and is dehydrated as a result, infusions with a saline solution are an initial treatment.
Antipyretics such as carprofen for dogs can also be administered here.
Inflammation is treated with an anti-inflammatory, provided this does not collide with the antibiotic.
prevention
To prevent your dog from becoming infected with anaplasma, there are a few things you can do to prevent it.
After every walk, you should check your dog’s coat for ticks.
You can also look up which ticks are particularly active when and where on the Internet. You can then avoid these tick risk areas when you go for a walk.
Comprehensive protection against ticks is also necessary. In most cases, this is done with spot-ons for dogs.
Bravecto for dogs or Advantix for dogs are suitable here, as they also guarantee comprehensive protection against other parasites.
Some home remedies – including coconut oil – can also be used to prevent ticks. The lauric acid contained in coconut oil is an effective protection against ticks.
In addition, a strong immune system can support a defense against anaplasma, which is why preparations that strengthen the immune system are also useful.
Has your dog already had anaplasmosis and recovered? Then we would be happy if you share his story and your experiences with us in the comments.