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Anaplasmosis in Dogs
by Cheyenne Pratt , Veterinary Technician , Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
Anaplasmosis is one of the top three most common tick-borne illnesses in the U . S ., but it still does not get as much recognition as Lyme disease . Similar to Lyme disease , anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection spread by the black legged / deer tick . As tick populations grow , we are seeing an increase in anaplasmosis cases in dogs .
When a tick carrying the anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria bites its host , it must stay attached for 24-48 hours to transmit the infection . Symptoms of an anaplasmosis infection may start within 1-2 weeks after the bite but some dogs may never show any symptoms . The common signs of anaplasmosis are very similar to Lyme disease , and include fever , lethargy , limping , decreased appetite , and dehydration . Other , less common symptoms are vomiting , diarrhea , bloody nose , neck pain , and seizures . In some cases , anaplasmosis can cause an infection of blood platelets known as cyclic thrombocytopenia . Platelets are important because they form clots to stop bleeding . A low platelet count can result in bleeding issues .
If your dog tests positive for anaplasmosis , your veterinarian may recommend a CBC to check the platelets . Anaplasmosis is usually diagnosed with a blood test that detects antibodies . If the test shows positive for anaplasmosis , it does not necessarily mean your dog has an active infection that needs treatment . A positive antibody test indicates that your dog was previously exposed to the bacteria that causes anaplasmosis . If a dog tests positive for anaplasmosis , it will most likely continue to show positive for the antibodies on future tests . An active anaplasmosis infection is typically treated with an antibiotic . Dogs showing clinical signs of anaplasmosis that receive treatment , have a good prognosis . It is possible for dogs that have already had anaplasmosis to get re-infected if they are exposed to ticks carrying the disease . Cats can contract anaplasmosis , but it ' s rare and they usually do not show any symptoms .
There is not currently a vaccine for anaplasmosis . To decrease risk of infection , keep your pets on tick prevention year round and avoid high risk areas ( i . e . brushy / wooded areas , tall grass , and leaf piles ). If you do spend time in these high risk areas , do a thorough tick check afterwards and immediately remove any ticks you find .
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Recalls :
Viva of North Carolina : Recalling one lot of Viva Duck for Dogs ( Ground ), Viva Duck for Dogs ( Chunked ), Viva Duck for Cats and Viva Pure Duck ( for cats and dogs ) due to potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination . Info : ( 919 ) 371-8882 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday . ( 1 / 27 / 24 )
Blue Ridge Beef Breeders Choice of Statesville , NC : Expanding its voluntary recall of Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix , due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes contamination . The recall expansion now includes all lot numbers / use by dates between N24 1114 to N24 1224 of their 2lb . bag of Puppy Mix - UPC 8 54298 00169 6 . Info : 704-880-4500 Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm . ( 1 / 4 / 24 )
Mid-America Pet Food of Mt . Pleasant , TX : Expanding its recall from October to include additional dog food , due to potential Salmonella contamination . Affected products include Victor Super Premium Dog Food - multiple bag sizes , Wayne Feeds Dog Food - 40 pound bags , Eagle Mountain Pet Food - 40 pound bags , Member ' s Mark ( Sam ' s Club ) Dog Food - 30 pound bags , Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula . Info : 1-888-428-7544 . ( 11 / 10 / 23 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
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