Tick Fever in Dogs (Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis & Anaplasmosis)

What is tick fever in dogs?

Tick fever is the everyday name for several blood infections that ticks pass to dogs. The brown dog tick, common in homes and kennels across India, carries many of them. The main ones are:

• Ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia canis, a germ that lives inside white blood cells
• Babesiosis, caused by Babesia parasites, which live inside red blood cells and break them
• Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma germs; Anaplasma platys infects platelets, the cells that help blood clot

A dog can carry more than one of these at the same time. Babesia gibsoni can also spread through bites during dog fights. Some dogs stay infected after they seem to recover and fall ill again later.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever, tiredness and poor appetite
• Pale gums
• Nosebleeds, or small red spots and bruises on the skin or gums
• Red, brown or dark urine
• Yellow eyes or gums
• Weight loss, swollen glands or stiff joints

Signs may start soon after a tick bite or months later, and some dogs show only mild tiredness.

Which lab tests help

A Blood Protozoa (Blood Parasite Smear) is a quick microscope check for parasites in blood cells. A positive smear helps, but a negative one does not rule tick fever out, because parasites can be few. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) often shows low platelets, anaemia or white cell changes.

The Snap 4Dx (Ehrlichia / Lyme / Heartworm / Anaplasma) and the Canine Ehrlichia canis Antibody (Rapid Test) look for antibodies, proteins the body makes after meeting a germ. Antibodies show exposure, not always current illness. They take time to appear and can stay after recovery.

PCR finds the germs' genetic material and can name the exact species. The Tick Fever Panel RT-PCR (3 Strain: B. gibsoni, B. canis & E. canis), the Tick Fever Panel RT-PCR (4 Strain: B. gibsoni, B. canis, E. canis & Anaplasma spp.) and the wider Tick-borne Pathogen RT-PCR Panel for Dogs (6 Strain) check several germs in one blood sample; for the wider panel, the exact list is confirmed when you book.

Tick fever can affect the liver and kidneys, so your vet may add an Liver Function Test (LFT), a Kidney Function Test (KFT) and a Urine Routine. The Tick Bone Panel and Pro Tick Bone Safety Panel group several of these tests. A registered veterinarian reads every result in the light of the dog's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your dog has fever, low energy or pale gums, especially after ticks. Bleeding, red or dark urine, yellow gums, weakness or collapse need a vet the same day. Ask your vet about tick prevention for your dog and home.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. Outside Bhopal, your local vet can send the blood sample, or you can send it by courier or bus parcel after a call or WhatsApp message to +91 88175 01118. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. You receive the report on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.