Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs

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 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

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.

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.

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.