Anaplasmosis in Dogs: What One Family Learned After Adopting a Dog Sight Unseen
Adopting a dog can be a joyful milestone, but for Riley’s new family, the process was overshadowed by uncertainty, anxiety, and an unexpected turn of events. After spotting Riley’s photo online, they felt an instant bond and quickly paid a deposit, only to be met with silence from the rescue. Three tense days passed without any response, leaving the family worried that their hope of welcoming Riley home might end in disappointment.
Battling Illness At New Home
When they finally received word that Riley was theirs to bring home, their relief turned to cautious optimism. To mark the occasion, they even ordered a collar personalized with her name. But soon after, they found themselves facing an unexpected challenge as Riley’s health began to deteriorate.
Initially, Riley seemed to be adjusting well, but soon showed signs of illness. Diagnosed with kennel cough and anaplasmosis—a bacterial infection that can compromise the immune system—Riley’s condition worsened within weeks. Her immune system, weakened by the illness, began attacking her own body, adding to the emotional rollercoaster for her new family as they focused on helping her recover and settle into her forever home.
Consequently, instead of showering their new dog with treats and toys, Riley’s family was spending an enormous amount of money on vet appointments. In fact, they revealed in the video that they had to take the dog to the vet every week for 2 months.
Recovered And Happy
@goldenhusky Its been a journey! #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #doggo #husky #animalsoftiktok #doglover #dogtiktok #doginfluencer ♬ original sound – nova…bear
Despite the ups and downs, Riley’s story has a happy ending. After overcoming her health battles, she’s now a beloved member of the family, her resilience only deepening their bond. Riley’s medical challenges didn’t hold her family back from falling head over heels for their furry friend.
But Riley had one more surprise in store. Originally, her family believed they were adopting a Golden Shepherd, as listed by the rescue. A DNA test, however, revealed a different story—Riley is actually a Husky mix. The experience served as a reminder of the uncertainties involved in online-only rescues and the importance of caution when adopting a pet sight unseen.
So, this golden-colored Husky mix is now living a happy and healthy life with her brother, Joji, also a Husky mix. According to their parents, the two fur siblings love each other’s company and enjoy taking selfies together.
The TikTok describing Riley’s story has more than 69K views.. A TikTok user, Anna Waldenstein, commented under the video, “Aw! You’re a good pet parent. She’s a beauty.” Another user added, “Thank you for taking her in and saving her!! She is so so cuteeeeee 💕”
What is Anaplasmosis in Dogs?
Pet parents know just how dangerous ticks can be for their furry friends, often thinking of Lyme disease as the main threat. But there’s another lesser-known tick-borne disease, anaplasmosis.
According to a veterinarian, Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by ticks, posing significant health risks to dogs in two distinct forms. Research indicates that dogs can be infected by either Anaplasma phagocytophilium, which targets white blood cells – notably, the same strain that affects humans – or Anaplasma platys, which infiltrates platelets, crucial for blood clotting.
How is Anaplasmosis transmitted?
Dr. Vogelsang states, “Anaplasma platys is transmitted by the brown dog tick. Anaplasma phagocytophilium is transmitted by the deer tick and the western black-legged tick.” Alarmingly, these same ticks also carry other diseases, such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease, making co-infections a disturbingly common occurrence in dogs.
To transmit the disease, these tiny vectors must latch onto their host for a crucial 24-hour window, explains Dr. Becky Lundgren. After transmission, the disease lies dormant for approximately one to two weeks, before symptoms emerge.
Anaplasmosis in Dogs Symptoms
Anaplasmosis symptoms in dogs typically emerge within one to two weeks. But here’s the challenge: the two main forms of the disease, caused by different bacteria, produce varying symptoms.
A. phagocytophilium
This strain is tricky to diagnose, as its symptoms are vague and nonspecific. Imagine your dog feeling miserable, like when you have the flu. Common signs include:
- Lameness and joint pain
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Less often: coughing, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea
The Platelet-Attacking Form: A. platys
This strain targets platelets, disrupting blood clotting. Infected dogs can show these clinical signs:
- Bruising and red splotches on gums and belly
- Nosebleeds
- Unexplained bleeding
It is also possible that a dog may not show any symptoms at all, as per New Hope Animal Hospital. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your dog has been exposed to Anaplasmosis, please make an appointment at your vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your furbaby.
Diagnosing Anaplasmosis in Dogs
When suspecting anaplasmosis in your dog, your veterinarian will initiate the diagnostic process with a thorough health history and physical examination. This crucial first step helps identify potential risk factors, such as contact with infected ticks, residence areas where ticks live, and characteristic symptoms. Dogs with these factors are considered high-risk and may require further testing.
The diagnosis of your pet begins with a blood test to assess blood cells and platelets. While it’s occasionally possible to detect the Anaplasmosis organism under a microscope, more precise laboratory tests are typically necessary. Your veterinarian may recommend advanced tests for accurate diagnosis, including ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), IFA (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody), and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
Long-Term Effects of Anaplasmosis in Dogs
While early detection and prompt treatment typically ensure a full recovery for most dogs, recent research reveals potential long-term consequences of anaplasmosis. “Some dogs will continue to test positive on the ELISA test. Exposure to ticks carrying the disease can result in reinfection. Any dog testing positive for anaplasmosis should have its tick control and prevention measures reevaluated,” notes Dr. Shelby Neely.
Studies suggest that anaplasmosis can have lasting effects on canine health, particularly in the following areas:
Joint Health
One significant concern is the impact on joint health. Chronic anaplasmosis in dogs can lead to persistent inflammation, causing cartilage damage and accelerated wear and tear on joints. This can exacerbate pre-existing joint conditions or even trigger arthritis later in life. In severe cases, dogs may experience significant decline in mobility, leading to a diminished quality of life.
Neurological Complications
Beyond joint health, Anaplasmosis can also have neurological repercussions. Some dogs may suffer from seizures, ataxia, and weakness, even after the initial disease stage has passed. This suggests potential long-term damage to the nervous system, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and care.
Immune System Dysregulation
Anaplasmosis can disrupt the immune system, increasing the risk of secondary infections and compromising overall health.
Anaplasmosis in Dogs Treatment
A Reddit user, u/quietglow, wrote in the subreddit, r/birddogs, “I brought my dog in for his yearly check and shots this week, and his bloodwork shows he has the antibodies associated with anaplasmosis. He has no symptoms, currently, and his CBC was normal. The vet is giving him a course of antibiotics to be on the safe side, which I am 100% fine with.”
Thus, antibiotics are the best treatment for a dog with mild symptoms of anaplasmosis. Dr. Neely asserts that anaplasmosis usually requires antibiotic treatment. Additional vet prescriptions may include anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
Doxycycline is usually given to the dog for 14 to 30 days, but the canine starts to show improvement within just a few days. But pet parents must complete the full antibiotic course even if the dog is doing much better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How serious is anaplasmosis in dogs?
The treatment for anaplasmosis is fairly simple and most dogs recover well after the antibiotics treatment. However, untreated anaplasmosis can have dire consequences for your dog, potentially leading to life-threatening complications including respiratory failure, organ failure, and bleeding problems. In severe cases, the disease can even lead to death.
What is the natural treatment for anaplasmosis in dogs?
Pet Health and Nutrition Center has successfully treated tick-borne illnesses including anaplasmosis using natural methods. They claim that their antimicrobial formula, featuring echinacea, cat’s claw, thyme, goldenseal, and oregano, has yielded excellent results, supporting immune function and boosting white blood cell production.
Is anaplasmosis in dogs contagious to humans?
Anaplasmosis in dogs can infect people, however, there never has been a recorded case of a direct transmission from dogs to humans.
What is the life expectancy for anaplasmosis in dogs?
Early treatment of anaplasmosis typically doesn’t affect life expectancy, but delayed care can lead to complications impacting quality of life. Severe symptoms and organ damage can result in irreversible harm if left untreated for too long.
