What is Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis)?
The parasitic blood infection, haemobartonellosis, is a parasitic blood infection transmitted to our dogs by ticks and fleas. The red blood cells are targeted, and these are the cells which carry the oxygen in the bloodstream. The M. Haemocanis, the mycoplasma parasite, is considered a germ that is extremely small and does not need oxygen to survive; this parasite belongs to the Mollicute order of basic bacteria. They do not have cell walls, are highly antibiotic resistant, and are difficult to effectively eliminate.
When ticks and fleas feed on an animal that is infected by the parasite, they pass on M. Haemocanis to another. The parasite thrives in the red blood cells, and when an infected pest taps onto a dog, the infection is spread. Usually, a dog becomes adversely affected by this infection if they have had a previous splenectomy; the spleen is the organ which filters the blood cells that are damaged, and if a dog doesn’t have this organ, the damaged cells are not filtered out of the body.
Parasitic blood infection (haemobartonellosis) in dogs is a blood infection that is caused by the transmission of M. Haemocanis via ticks and fleas.
Symptoms of Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs
Symptoms of parasitic blood infections in dogs are quite noticeable and need medical treatment as soon as possible. Symptoms of Haemobartonellosis include:
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Listlessness and weakness
- White to purple colored gums
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Fever
Types
There are several other types of blood parasite infections in which canines can become affected with that are brought to them by ticks and fleas. Other types include:
- Babesiosis
- American Canine Hepatozoonosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Lyme Disease
- Flea-Bite Anemia
- Hepatozoon Canis
Causes of Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs
Fleas and ticks pass on the mycoplasma haemocanis as they move and feed from one dog to the next. Secondary illness and immunosuppression allow for further complications with this infection.
Diagnosis of Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs
If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. A complete physical exam will be conducted, which will include a complete battery of blood tests, chemical profile of the blood, a blood count and smear, and urinalysis. A test can be conducted to show if mycoplasmas in the bloodstream are present (Coombs’ testing), and specific mycoplasmas can be identified through the blood smear.
The veterinarian will be able to differentiate between similar disorders, such as chronic granulocytic leukemia, eosinophilic leukemia, and eosinophilic gastroenteritis once the tests results come back.
Treatment of Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs
Medication
Antibiotics and glucocorticoids are effective medications; however, there is the possibility that your pat will remain a carrier of the infection and relapse is possible.
Steroid Therapy
Any anemia developed from the parasitic blood infection may be treated with steroid therapy. Regaining a healthy blood supply is possible with the use of these medications.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization will need to occur in very severe cases. This is necessary if your companion is very ill and listless. Hospitalization will allow the dog to receive necessary fluids, and in very severe cases, a blood transfusion. With this, the dog will become stable.
Recovery of Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs
Once your dog begins treatment, the veterinarian will want to see him regularly to monitor his progress. He will do a complete blood count to check the levels of mycoplasma. It is important to understand that your dog will continue to be a carrier of the disease once he recovers.
Prevention of ticks and fleas will need to become a priority. There are many flea and tick prevention products available on the market, and your veterinarian can guide you in making a selection if needed. Products that contain permethrins can be quite effective in controlling fleas and ticks. Regular use and monitoring are important, and it is also suggested that the dog remains stress-free, so any immune health stays positive.
Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
Hi my husky was diagnosed with blood parasites today from what seems to be ticks. She is in fit and tiptop condition, no loss of appetite or her being weak. She also has not loss any weight and is still running around and playing with other dogs, the only thing wrong about her is her nose bleed. Can i still take her to short walks?
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there is a history of parvo at home, 5 pups already died 3 mos ago. now 1 pup (4 mos old with one shot of 5 in 1 vaccine) is confined bec. of exhibiting smx of parvo but on the xray it was showed that there were some foreign obj (already on the intestine) swallowed. But in the parvo test kit it resulted positive, but smx are not as severe as the pups before stool is not that watery slight blood is present & unpleasant odor also theres vomiting after eating. Plus in the xray kidney is already enlarged. pup manifested the smx for 5 days already cbc showed low on rbc, wbc and platelet count. i was hesitant on parvo, i am doubting if its possible for blood parasite? since 1 mon ago there were tick/fleas i already gave nexgard
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the dog just pooped all blood with some yellowish stuff in it its like a jelly membrane..havent seen any like it before.. :(
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Medication Used
Hi! The vet prescribed Doxycycline to be taken twice a day for two weeks. However, due to our hectic work schedule, we were not able to strictly follow the prescription. He was scheduled to have his blood tested again last week but we haven't complied. Do you think we should finish up with the prescribed meds for two weeks again before we visit the vet?
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Has Symptoms
Hi, can a Husky that recovered from blood parasite infection still infect other dog near him? via Body Fluids, Saliva etc.? or only from (Tick & Flea)?
because i was thinking getting another puppy.
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Medication Used
Hi, my dog has been diagnosed with a parasitic blood infection (1 day ago) ,and is severely anemic (experiencing symptoms for 1 week, diagnosed 3 days ago) - he is 13 year old Chihuahua with a stage 4 heart murmur and periodontal disease (6 teeth left, the rest extracted) - they prescribed him Doxycycline (100mg) and Nutrived B Complex with Iron - do you think this is the best treatment plan for him? or should he be on a steroid to speed things along?
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Steroid treatment in cases of parasitic blood infections is to reduce the destruction of infected red blood cells, not to speed up treatment. Prednisolone given to seven to fourteen days is sometimes prescribed to dogs but would be at your Veterinarian’s discretion; doxycycline is one of the medicines used and shows good success in treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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My dog was diagnosed with blood parasite. All the symptoms has showed. His lossing his appetite and he is always sad. He's not eating. But Im giving him antibiotic and vitamins and dextrose since he is not eating. What else should I do?