What it is
Anaplasma are bacteria that a tick picks up from infected wild animals, such as rodents or deer, and passes to a dog as it feeds on the dog's blood. As with Lyme disease, the sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of infection. A dog can catch both diseases at once, because the same ticks spread them.
In the blood the bacteria get inside white blood cells and multiply there. The body answers with fever and inflammation, especially in the joints, and the immune response can lower the number of platelets, which the blood needs in order to clot. The signs can be vague and settle by themselves, but sometimes they return.
In tick season, check your dog after every walk, especially the head, ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes, and remove any tick you find as soon as you can. Your vet can tell you how to protect your dog from ticks.
Signs you may notice
- Lethargic and off food
- Fever
- Limps or walks stiffly
- Nosebleeds
- Bruises on the skin for no clear reason
- Pale gums
The dog turns lethargic, stops eating, runs a fever, and limps or walks stiffly because its joints ache. In some dogs the number of platelets falls, so they get nosebleeds, bruises appear on the skin and the gums may turn pale.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog runs a fever, turns lethargic or starts to limp in tick season. Nosebleeds, unexplained bruises or pale gums are a sign to have the dog seen promptly.
For parasite protection
You will find products against ticks, fleas and worms in this category. This is not a treatment: your vet will advise which suits your dog.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.