Blood Parasites in Pets
Blood parasites are organisms that can live and thrive in your pet’s system. Several types can affect cats and dogs. Some types of blood parasites can only affect either dogs or cats, while others can infect both species. Depending on what type of parasite your pet has been infected with, it is possible that it was acquired through a tick bite, from flies and mosquitoes, or even through a blood transfusion.
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The following are blood parasites that affect both cats and dogs:
Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
A disease transmitted from ticks, these blood parasites attack your pet’s blood cells and can lead to death. Some possible symptoms include fevers, swelling lymph nodes (under the jaw, behind the knee), and a low blood platelet count. Anorexia, depression, loss of stamina, and stiffness may also be noticeable. However, it is also possible that none of these symptoms manifest in your pet. This strain of blood parasites is more common in the summer due to ticks thriving in this weather. Your veterinarian will need to conduct a blood test to detect this parasite in your pet’s system, then provide the necessary antibiotics (and possibly a blood transfusion) for treatment. This strain of blood parasites can be prevented primarily with tick control, so make sure to try to keep your pet tick-free at all times.
Hemotropic mycoplasma
This strain of blood parasites can be acquired from blood transfusions or unsanitized surgical instruments (if the donor/previous user is already infected); through lice, flies, ticks, and mosquitoes; hereditarily from your pet’s parent; or even through scratches from fighting – the bacteria may enter your pet’s system through the claws of the other animal. Generally, this blood parasite will not show any symptoms in your pet, unless he has had a prior spleen removal operation. Your vet will conduct a blood test to detect it and provide the appropriate antibiotics. However, even if your pet has been treated and is no longer in danger, the parasite may remain in his system. Transmission of this blood parasite can be prevented by properly screening blood transfusion donors as well as controlling and exterminating insects in your area.
Hepatozoonosis
This blood parasite is transmitted by ticks, but not through a bite. The tick picks up the parasite from an infected host while biting the animal. Your dog can acquire the disease by eating the tick (or animals that ate a tick), not from being bitten by the tick. Symptoms include fever, depression, weight loss, poor body condition, muscle loss and weakness, discharge from the eyes, and bloody diarrhea. Your veterinarian can diagnose this specific strain through muscle biopsies and blood tests. Hepatozoonosis is a life-long infection in dogs, and so far no known treatment completely clears the body of the organism. Hepatozoonosis can be prevented through tick control and by ensuring that your pet does not eat any possible prey it comes across.
Hepatozoonosis is different for cats. Cats generally do not show any symptoms. It is, however, possible to treat the blood parasite and remove it from its system. Using a product that prevents fleas and ticks is recommended to avoid it.
Babesiosis
This blood parasite is transmitted through ticks and infects your pet’s red blood cells. Symptoms may be a mild illness to a severe disease that quickly results in death. In some cases, the parasite causes a long-term disease with severe and progressive anemia as the main symptom. A blood test will be required for your veterinarian to detect this parasite. If your pet’s anemia is severe, a blood transfusion might be needed, along with the necessary antibiotics to treat the condition. This blood parasite can be avoided through proper tick control.
Blood parasites can be harder to take notice of compared to other conditions, but it is important to stay on the lookout as it can quickly lead to your pet’s death. You can primarily avoid them by keeping your pet free from fleas and ticks and by keeping their living area clean and pest free. If you’re worried that your pet might have been infected, do not wait for the condition to worsen while trying to see if your pet can get better on his own. Immediately seek help from your veterinarian so they can provide urgent care and treatment to save your pet’s life.