Diagnosis of Canine Ehrlichia

Canine Ehrlichia is a tick borne disease, found in many parts of the world.  It is mainly spread by the brown dog tick and is most prevalent in the southern United States. 

Diagnosis of canine Ehrlichia can be difficult, but is primarily conducted through blood testing.  A blood sample is tested for the presence of Ehrlichia organisms.  If they are present in the sample a diagnosis can be confirmed, but they do not always show on the sample. 

An in-house test kit, which includes a Lyme disease test, heartworm test, and Ehrlichia test, will show results within a few minutes.  This test can be conducted in a veterinarian’s office and requires a blood sample from the dog.  The sample is tested and results will be ready within a few minutes.  The veterinarian will relay the results and treatment options, if needed to the dog’s owner.

Results of laboratory testing, in addition to clinical symptoms and information pertaining to the dog’s likelihood of exposure will be used to make a diagnosis.  Warning signs of a dog with canine Ehrlichia may be seen in the form of fever, bleeding, arthritic discomfort, and enlarged lymph nodes.