Jaundice in a dog after a tick bite

The family of blood-sucking ixodid ticks comprises over 650 species, with Ixodes ricinus parasitizing dogs. A tick bite causes allergic reactions in the animal, and the substances secreted by the attached parasite are toxic. The greatest danger is the ability of ticks to transmit pathogens that cause serious diseases—viruses, bacteria, and helminths can be found in the parasite's saliva, which it injects into the victim's bloodstream. If your dog has... tick bite Jaundice appears - this is a sign of the development of one of these diseases.

What is jaundice?

Icterus, or jaundice, is a complex of symptoms, the main one being a yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes and skin. It is caused by elevated levels of the bile pigment bilirubin in the blood. In a healthy animal, bilirubin, which is formed in the body during the breakdown of hemoglobin, is partially processed by the liver and partially excreted in urine and feces. With some tick-borne diseases, bilirubin is not completely utilized, and it accumulates, causing jaundice.

Tick-borne infections accompanied by jaundice

Not all diseases that Ixodes ricinus can infect dogs with are accompanied by bilirubinemia. Ehrlichiosis (caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia) and hepatozoonosis (caused by the protozoan parasite Hepatozoon canis) do not cause jaundice. Symptoms of bilirubinemia are observed in the following diseases:

• Bartonellosis. It was previously believed that only mosquitoes carried Bartonella, but recent research has shown that ticks can also transmit the infection. Bartonellosis attacks the liver and spleen, causing fever, a sharp rise in temperature, anemia, weight loss, yellowing of the sclera and mucous membranes, and skin hemorrhages.
• Babesiosis (pyroplasmosis). This disease It is caused by single-celled (protozoan) parasites. It can be acute or chronic and often results in death. Symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, bilirubinemia, and cardiac and gastrointestinal disturbances.

• Borreliosis (Lyme disease, Lyme disease). The causative agent - Borrelia spirochete. The disease affects the joints and in dogs primarily manifests as lameness and paresis (limited range of motion due to decreased muscle strength). In severe cases, cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, jaundice, and hemorrhagic syndrome (bleeding of the mucous membranes and subcutaneous hemorrhages) are possible.
• Anaplasmosis (infectious thrombocytopenia). Caused by the Anaplasmataceae rickettsia, it attacks the blood cells responsible for converting the soluble protein fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin. Anaplasmosis causes a sharp decline in blood clotting, leading to subcutaneous hemorrhages, nosebleeds, and anemia. Other signs of thrombocytopenia include enlarged lymph nodes, yellowing of the mucous membranes, and fever.

Caution! Most tick-borne infections are zoonotic, meaning they are also contagious to humans. Therefore, if your dog develops jaundice, it should be isolated until a diagnosis is made, and if forced into contact with the sick animal, the owner should take safety precautions.

Diagnostics

The symptoms of many tick-borne diseases are similar and non-specific. Therefore, laboratory tests are the primary method of differential diagnosis when jaundice is detected in dogs.

• The causative agent of bartonellosis can be detected using serological blood tests, which rely on the antigen-antibody reaction. Identification of the pathogen can also be achieved by microscopic examination of mucosal swabs grown in nutrient media. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered a reliable diagnostic method, allowing the detection of even single Bartonella species in biological samples (blood, mucus, or dermis).
• Diagnosis "piroplasmosis" is made on the basis of an analysis of a blood smear for the presence of piroplasms, serological and molecular blood tests, as well as a urine test for the level of hemoglobin, hemoglobin and urobilinogen.

• Lyme disease is detected by microscopy, serological tests, or blood tests using immunofluorescence, which detects the Borrelia spirochete using fluorescein-labeled antibodies.
• If anaplasmosis is suspected, a complete blood count (CBC) is performed to assess platelet levels. If the platelet count is below normal (thrombocytopenia), a PCR test is performed to confirm the diagnosis, which detects Anaplasma DNA.

Treatment

There is no symptomatic treatment for icterus, as jaundice develops as a consequence of a specific disease, and the underlying illness must be treated. Depending on the diagnostic results, the veterinarian will prescribe medications that destroy or inhibit the growth of the underlying pathogen. Medications must be taken for the full course; discontinuing treatment on your own, even if the symptoms of jaundice have resolved, is not recommended. The remaining pathogenic microorganisms will begin to multiply again, causing a relapse.

In addition to antiviral, antibacterial, or anthelmintic medications, dogs with diseases associated with bilirubinemia are prescribed a liver-friendly, low-calorie diet for several months. The animal's diet should limit protein and fat-containing foods, while increasing carbohydrate intake. These include cereals, vegetables, and monosaccharides (adding glucose to the dog's water is beneficial). B vitamins and tocopherol (vitamin E) are also recommended. Physical activity should be minimized during treatment; any sports activities should be temporarily discontinued.

Prevention of tick-borne infections in dogs

The primary and most reliable way to protect your dog from diseases that cause jaundice is timely vaccination. Effective vaccines have now been developed for most of these diseases.

Important! Immediately after returning from a walk, be sure to inspect your pet for ticks. It takes at least half a day for the tick to enter the dog's bloodstream, so prompt tick removal will minimize the risk of infection.

During the period of activity ixodid ticks (It usually starts in April-May and ends in September-October) your dog should be treated periodically with anti-tick products. These can be repellents that repel ticks or insectoacaricides that kill parasites. Popular drops among dog owners include Beaphar and Advantix. Frontline, Hartz, and Bolfo sprays. It is recommended to begin treatment three weeks before the start of tick season.

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