Anaplasmosis in Dogs: Is It an Emergency?

Anaplasmosis in dogs can transform from a mild illness to a life-threatening emergency faster than many pet owners realize. This tick-borne disease silently attacks your dog's blood cells, potentially causing serious complications when left untreated.

Understanding when anaplasmosis requires emergency care versus when it can wait for a regular veterinary appointment could make all the difference in your dog's recovery. Let's explore what you need to know to protect your four-legged family member from this increasingly common condition.

Top Questions About Anaplasmosis in Dogs

When should I rush my dog to an emergency clinic?

Anaplasmosis becomes an emergency when your dog shows high fever, extreme low energy, noticeable limping, bleeding from the nose or gums, or breathing problems. These symptoms suggest the infection has become serious. Call an emergency veterinary clinic before leaving home to let them know you're coming.

Can anaplasmosis become life-threatening quickly?

Most cases of anaplasmosis progress gradually, but some dogs can get worse rapidly, especially those with weaker immune systems. The bacteria affect blood cells and platelets, sometimes leading to bleeding problems or inflammation. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with existing health conditions face higher risks of serious complications.

What if my dog only shows mild symptoms?

Dogs with mild symptoms—slight low energy, mild fever, or decreased appetite—should still see a veterinarian within 24-48 hours. These milder signs don't typically require emergency care but shouldn't be ignored as the condition can worsen. Call your regular veterinarian for guidance and watch for any changes in symptoms.

Why Does Anaplasmosis Happen

Anaplasmosis happens when infected ticks transmit bacteria during feeding, typically after being attached for 24-48 hours. The bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect white blood cells or platelets. This infection disrupts normal cell function and triggers the body's inflammatory response, causing the symptoms dogs experience.

Spotting Mild Cases

Mild cases of anaplasmosis often show up as subtle symptoms that pet parents might think are just tiredness. Dogs may have decreased energy, slight reluctance to exercise, or reduced interest in food. Some dogs develop a low-grade fever or mild joint stiffness that comes and goes.

These milder symptoms typically appear 1-2 weeks after a tick bite, though many pet parents may not remember seeing a tick. If you notice these signs, especially after time in wooded or grassy areas, call your veterinarian for advice.

Recognizing Serious Cases

Serious cases of anaplasmosis need quick veterinary attention. Dogs may develop high fever, severe joint pain causing obvious limping, and significant low energy where they barely respond to their surroundings. Some dogs show bleeding tendencies, including nosebleeds, blood in urine, or unusual bruising.

Breathing problems, including rapid or labored breathing, can occur in advanced cases. Neurological signs such as seizing, head tilting, or coordination problems indicate the infection may be affecting the nervous system.

What To Do

Step 1: Check for serious symptoms

Check your dog's gums for unusual paleness or bleeding, and note if they're struggling to stand or walk normally. Feel for excessive warmth that might indicate fever, and watch for any labored or rapid breathing. Note when symptoms began to share with the veterinarian.

Step 2: Arrange safe transport

Prepare a comfortable space in your vehicle with familiar bedding to minimize stress during travel. Keep movements gentle when handling a dog with joint pain or weakness. Call the veterinary clinic before leaving to alert them of your arrival.

Step 3: Gather health information

Collect any recent medication information, including flea and tick preventatives your dog has received. Note recent outdoor activities where tick exposure might have occurred. This information helps veterinarians make faster assessments of your dog's condition.

Potential Life-Threatening Conditions

Severe anaplasmosis can lead to dangerous complications. Bleeding disorders develop when the infection impacts platelet numbers or function, resulting in spontaneous bleeding from the nose, gums, or into the urine. These bleeding issues can become dangerous quickly.

Breathing complications may occur as the infection progresses. Some dogs develop severe joint inflammation that causes extreme pain and inability to walk. In rare cases, the infection can affect the kidneys or liver, leading to organ problems that require intensive care.

Helping Your Pet Before the Vet Visit

Keep your dog calm and comfortable while preparing for veterinary care. Limit their movement if they appear to be in pain. If your dog seems thirsty but isn't vomiting, you can offer small amounts of water. Call your veterinarian for guidance on whether to offer food before the visit.

Do not give any human medications to your dog, as many are toxic to pets. If you discover ticks during examination, carefully remove them using tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out with steady pressure.

Preventing Future Anaplasmosis

Preventing anaplasmosis naturally starts with consistent tick control measures throughout the year. Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives appropriate for your dog's age and weight. Check your dog thoroughly for ticks after outdoor activities, paying special attention to ears, between toes, under collars, and in skin folds.

Keep your yard maintained by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter where ticks hide. Create barriers between wooded areas and your lawn using gravel or wood chips. These preventative measures significantly reduce the chance of tick attachment and disease transmission.

We're Here to Help

Our hospitals provide comprehensive care for dogs with anaplasmosis, from initial diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Our veterinary teams can quickly assess your dog's condition and determine the appropriate level of care needed.

For dogs with mild symptoms like slight low energy or decreased appetite, waiting to see your regular veterinarian is often appropriate. However, if your dog shows severe symptoms such as high fever, bleeding, or breathing difficulties, call an emergency veterinarian right away. If you're not sure, call us—we can talk you through the situation.

Key Takeaways

• Anaplasmosis ranges from mild illness to serious disease requiring emergency care
• Seek quick veterinary attention if your dog shows severe symptoms like high fever, extreme low energy, or bleeding
• Year-round tick prevention and regular tick checks are essential for reducing the risk of anaplasmosis