Hepatozoonosis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Care

Hepatozoonosis in dogs is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan organisms, mainly Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum. Unlike many tick-borne illnesses, dogs become infected by ingesting an infected tick, not through tick bites. This infection is more common in dogs that have travelled abroad, especially to Mediterranean countries, but the responsible ticks exist in various parts of the world including the Middle East, Africa, Asia, India, and the United States.

The Causes and Transmission of Hepatozoonosis

The disease is tick-borne, requiring a dog to swallow an infected tick to contract the parasite. Hepatozoon canis is the common parasite found worldwide except in the US, where Hepatozoon americanum is prevalent. These protozoan parasites enter the dog's system after digestion of the tick, subsequently invading internal organs such as the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and muscles.

Symptoms to Watch For in Infected Dogs

When dogs are infected with hepatozoonosis, they often show early signs of illness demanding prompt veterinary attention. Common symptoms include:

• Lethargy and fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea, often with blood

Dogs with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms, such as:

• Pain and lameness
• Muscle wasting (muscle atrophy)
• Eye discharge
• Pale gums and other mucous membranes indicating anaemia
• Kidney failure
• Increased sensitivity to touch (hyperesthesia)

Importantly, hepatozoonosis can affect multiple internal systems, including the heart's small blood vessels, bones, muscles, and the intestinal tract, which may complicate the disease.

Diagnosing Hepatozoonosis in Dogs

Veterinarians rely on a thorough clinical examination combined with knowledge of the dog’s travel history, particularly visits to tick-endemic regions. Diagnostic tests to confirm hepatozoonosis include:

• Complete blood count to detect anaemia or infection signs
• Biochemical blood profile to assess organ function
• Urinalysis
• X-rays to check for bone involvement, especially with H. americanum
• Blood smears and molecular tests (PCR) to identify the parasite itself

Treatment and Management

Managing hepatozoonosis often involves ongoing treatment. Vets administer specific anti-parasitic injections every two weeks aiming to reduce or eliminate the infection. Despite treatment, parasite DNA may still be detectable later due to the difficulty in completely eradicating especially the H. americanum species.

Treatment plans also focus on relieving symptoms such as pain and supporting affected organs. Regular veterinary follow-up is essential to monitor the dog’s recovery.

Prognosis for Dogs with Hepatozoonosis

If treatment starts early, dogs infected with H. canis typically have a good prognosis with successful management of symptoms. However, infections caused by H. americanum tend to be more challenging, with treatment rarely eradicating the parasite completely and potentially leading to long-term complications.

Prevention: Protecting Your Dog from Tick-Borne Parasites

The best prevention against hepatozoonosis is effective tick control. Good-quality tick prevention products and prompt removal of any ticks found on your dog are vital to reduce the risk. Importantly, preventing dogs from grooming and accidentally swallowing ticks is key since ingestion is the transmission route.

Responsible pet ownership, including using tick preventatives recommended by your vet and regular health check-ups, helps safeguard your dog’s health against this parasitic disease.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

What is hepatozoonosis in dogs?

Quick Answer: Hepatozoonosis is a parasitic tick-borne disease in dogs caused by protozoa, transmitted when dogs swallow infected ticks, affecting various organs.

This disease differs from typical tick-borne illnesses as the infection requires ingestion of the tick rather than a bite. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild lethargy to severe organ and muscle damage depending on the parasite species involved.

How can I tell if my dog has hepatozoonosis?

Quick Answer: Signs include fever, lethargy, weight loss, muscle pain, and sometimes diarrhoea with blood. Severe cases show lameness and muscle wasting.

If your dog shows these symptoms, especially after travel to tick-prone areas, seek veterinary examination promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Where to find reputable puppies and tips

When considering getting a dog, it's wise to find puppies from reputable breeders or trusted rescue organisations. This ensures good health and reduces risks of inherited or infectious diseases. For help finding trusted sources, explore puppies for sale and always ask breeders about health screening and tick prevention.