How Ehrlichiosis Is Spread In Cats And Dogs

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease that affects both cats and dogs. There are three species of ticks that have been identified to spread Ehrlichia--  Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick). When environmental conditions are favorable, these ticks can survive even without a host for two or more years.

Dogs and cats get the infection when they are bitten by infected ticks. The bacteria are injected into the blood of dogs and cats when infected ticks feed on them. It can take as little as 3-6 hours for ticks to transmit Ehrlichia spp into dogs. Once the bacteria invade the blood cells, they are able to multiply and spread throughout the animal’s body. Diagnosis is based on history of being exposed to ticks, clinical signs manifested, reduced platelet count, and a positive blood test result for Ehrlichia. Consult your pets’ health care to learn more.