由 Jennifer Yuchi Huang » 2007-05-05, 16:32
Ehrlichia is a type of blood parasite transmitted by ticks. It can infest white blood cell or platelet, depending on the strain. The clinical signs are mostly related to vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessel) and can affect multiple organs and systems such as fever, bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged spleen and liver, and somtimes even affect the brain, eye, and joints. In chronic cases, this organism can invade bone marrow and reduce the production of red blood cell and platelet, which leads to severe anemia and spontaneous bleeding. Early identification and effective treatment help to prevent the disease to progress from acute to chronic phase, but be aware that there is still a chance for the disease to relapse even years later. Tick control is a very important method to prevent this disease. Please keep a close eye on your dog and discuss with your doctor for further information and treatment plan.
Jennifer Huang