Prompted by the Dogster article linked below, we reviewed recent information about anaplasmosis in dogs, in addition to ruminants, horses, people and wildlife species. White-tailed deer and small rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts. Canine anaplasmosis is caused by one of two gram-negative, obligate, intracellular bacterial agents, Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys. Both types of anaplasmosis are likely spread by ticks and can occur worldwide.
What are some signs of anaplasmosis in dogs? “Fever, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, lameness/joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and/or bleeding disorders,” Dr. Rick Marrinson explains. Because these symptoms may signify a variety of medical conditions, he cautions that sometimes anaplasmosis is missed during diagnosis — even by vets.
Source: Veterinary Medicine, April 2008. Link.
A hallmark of Anaplasma phagocytophilum is that it may result in subclinical disease or a chronic carrier state.
Source: Dogster, July 6, 2018. Link.
Treatment of anaplasmosis in dogs takes some time. “Therapy is typically a month-long treatment with doxycycline [which is an antibiotic],” says Dr. Marrinson. “After exposure, protective immunity does not develop, so animals can be re-infected with re-exposure to ticks” — even while they are being treated or after they have finished treatment for anaplasmosis.
Also see: Ticked off: America’s quiet epidemic of tickborne diseases, Animal Health Digest, June 24, 2018. Link.