Ehrlichiosis

Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease of dogs and is found worldwide. Canine ehrlichiosis is also known by other names such as "tropical canine pancytopenia", "tracker dog disease",  "canine hemorrhagic fever", "canine typhus". 

Ehrlichia is transmitted by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The immature form of the tick feeds on an animal infected with Ehrlichia. When these mature form of the tick feeds on another animal, the Ehrlichia is passed on to that animal.  Because the disease is transmitted by the brown dog tick, it can occur wherever these ticks are found. Almost every state in the U.S. has reported a case of ehrlichiosis.

Signs of the acute phase of the disease usually develop 1-3 weeks after the bite of the infected tick. The acute phase of the disease generally lasts 2-4 weeks. The Ehrlichia enter cells of the body and reproduce inside of them. These cells are found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, blood, and bone marrow.

As a result of the infection the lymph nodes, liver and spleen are often enlarged. Fever, depression, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint pain and stiffness, bruises are often seen. 

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