Description

Canine heartworm disease, canine ehrlichiosis, and canine Anaplasma disease are three common infectious diseases in dogs. Although they are caused by different pathogens and have their own characteristics, there are commonalities in some aspects.

Commonalities between canine heartworm, canine ehrlichiosis and canine Anaplasma

Route of transmission

All three diseases are vector-borne: canine heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, and canine ehrlichiosis and canine Anaplasma are transmitted by ticks.

Clinical Symptoms

They may all cause systemic symptoms such as fever, lethargy and weight loss.

All may cause anemia and other blood-related symptoms.

Geographic distribution

Globally distributed, especially more common in areas where ticks and mosquitoes are active.

Differences between canine heartworm, canine ehrlichiosis and canine anaplasma

Pathogen

Canine Heartworm Disease: caused by Canine Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis).

Canine Ehrlichiasis: caused by Ehrlichia canis.

Canine Anaplasmosis: caused by Anaplasma.

Specific symptoms

Canine Heartworm disease: cough, dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, heart failure, ascites.

Canine Ehrlichiosis: characteristic symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding tendencies, joint pain, and eye problems (e.g., uveitis).

Canine Anaplasma disease: the main signs are acute anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly.

Diagnosis

Canine heartworm test for dogs

Antigen test: Detection of canine heartworm antigen in blood is the most commonly used screening method.

Microfilariae detection: Microfilariae (larvae) can be directly observed on blood smears.

Imaging tests: X-rays and echocardiograms are used to assess damage to the heart and lungs.

PCR test: Used to detect the DNA of canine heartworms with high sensitivity and specificity.

Canine Ehrlichiosis test for dogs

Blood smear test: blood smears can be observed for Ehrlichia, blood biochemistry and complete blood counts show anemia and thrombocytopenia.

PCR test: detects Ehrlichia DNA with high sensitivity and specificity.

Serologic test: detects anti-Ehrlichia antibodies.

Canine anaplasma test for dogs

Blood smear test: direct observation of Anaplasma.

PCR test: detects Anaplasma DNA with high sensitivity and specificity.

Serologic testing: detects anti-Anaplasma antibodies.

Blood biochemistry test: Assesses anemia and bilirubin levels.

Canine Heartworm/Ehrlichia/Anaplasma Antibody Combo Rapid Test

Antigenne has developed a combined test for Canine Heartworm Antigen & Canine Ehrlichia & Canine Anaplasma Antibody, which can help users to more accurately diagnose whether the dog is infected with these diseases, and formulate appropriate treatment and control measures to protect the health of dogs.