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Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/18/2016Updated: 01/13/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
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 mycoplasma parasites 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. A dog can become 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.
Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) Average Cost
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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 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 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 typically effective medications; however, there is the possibility that your pet 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 may become stable.
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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. 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. 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) Average Cost
From 28 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,500
Average Cost
$750
Top
Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Golden Retriever
Enzo
9 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Appetite
My dog has been vomiting on and off for two weeks now. He barely eats (very small quantities if he does at all) and lost a lot of weight. Going now back and forth to the vet, did two ultrasounds and blood tests. The latest ones presented enlargened kodneys and adrenal glands (i believe that's the name) and the vet suspects a tumour in the lymph nodes and another vet suspects blood parasites. We will do another test tomorrow for the parasites. What do you recommend we check for?
Thanks
Aug. 8, 2018
3 Recommendations
It depends on the type of enlargement of the kidney (general enlargement or enlargement due to hydronephrosis); there are many conditions which may cause an enlargement of the kidneys but few causes for adrenal gland enlargement. When it comes to cases like this it is difficult to weigh in as I haven’t examined Enzo or seen any test results, but I would look at likely conditions and think about which tests are cost effective to start ruling out possible conditions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 9, 2018
Hi my pomeranian was diagnosed of having blood parasyte after visiting the his poop is now black.. im worried though there are sime improvements but im worried with his poop.. its like he is having diarrhea
Aug. 17, 2018
Christopher B.
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Mixed
Teemo
3 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
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?
June 12, 2018
5 Recommendations
You should ensure that any treatment is given in accordance with your Veterinarian’s instructions; it is never a good idea to give antibiotics intermittently and you should think about visiting your Veterinarian to refill the prescription and start treatment again especially if only a few doses were given. The misuse of antibiotics is creating an issue with antibiotic resistance which is why we need to use them responsibly as prescribed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 13, 2018
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Siberian Husky
Kitkat
2 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nose Bleed
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?
May 4, 2018
4 Recommendations
If your Veterinarian has recommended that Kitkat should rest, I cannot go against those instructions since I haven’t examined her; however some movement wouldn’t hurt but I would recommend short walks on a lead away from grass. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 4, 2018
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?
July 12, 2018
Allisa G.
Hi, my great dane Atlas was diagnosed with blood parasite today. He didn't show any symptoms before, until he started to have nosebleeds. Is this disease deadly? By any chance?
Aug. 5, 2018
Scy E.
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Siberian Husky
Thor
4 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood Parasite
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.
Feb. 16, 2018
3 Recommendations
It depends on the parasite as some dogs may remain persistently infected after recovery, so you should have Thor tested to determine if he is a carrier or not; types of blood parasites include Babesiosis, Haemobartonellosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Trypanosomiasis among others are considered to be parasitic blood infections. Discuss with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 16, 2018
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Mixed
prince
4 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Poor Appetite
Dehydrated
Blood In Stool
Enlarged Kidney
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
Sept. 28, 2017
3 Recommendations
Low white blood cell and platelet counts are consistent with parvo and is confirmed with the test; possibly the symptoms are not as severe since Prince already received one vaccination dose. I would treat for parvo, but if you have concerns you may request further testing for vector-borne diseases prevalent in your area. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 28, 2017
the dog just pooped all blood with some yellowish stuff in it its like a jelly membrane..havent seen any like it before.. :(
Sept. 29, 2017
prince's Owner
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Parasitic Blood Infection (Haemobartonellosis) Average Cost
From 28 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,500
Average Cost
$750
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