Canine Anaplasma (CANA Ab) Rapid Test

What is Canine Anaplasma?

Canine anaplasma, also known as anaplasmosis, is a tick-borne disease that affects dogs worldwide. It is caused by bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys, which infect white blood cells or platelets, respectively. The disease is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks, including the deer tick (black-legged tick), brown dog tick, and others depending on geographic location.

When a tick carrying Anaplasma bacteria feeds on a dog for 24-48 hours, it can transmit the infection. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria target and multiply within specific blood cells, leading to various symptoms and potential complications if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Symptoms of Canine Anaplasma

Canine anaplasmosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some dogs may show no symptoms at all (asymptomatic carriers). Common symptoms include:

• Fever (often high, 40-40.5°C)
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Lameness or joint pain (may shift from one leg to another)
• Lymph node enlargement
• Reluctance to move
• Vomiting and diarrhea (less common)
• Bruising or bleeding (with A. platys infection)
• Neurological signs (rare, but can include seizures or neck pain)

In severe cases, anaplasmosis can lead to more serious complications including:

• Respiratory problems
• Kidney failure
• Blood coagulation disorders
• Neurological issues

The symptoms may appear 1-2 weeks after a tick bite and can be confused with other conditions, making diagnosis challenging without proper testing.

Prevention and Vaccination

Tick Prevention

The most effective way to prevent canine anaplasmosis is to control tick exposure:

• Year-round tick control medications - Ask your veterinarian about appropriate preventatives (topical treatments, oral medications, or collars)
• Regular tick checks - Inspect your dog thoroughly after outdoor activities, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between toes
• Prompt tick removal - Remove any attached ticks as soon as possible using proper technique (grasp with tweezers close to the skin and pull straight out)
• Yard management - Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, create barriers between wooded areas and your yard
• Avoid tick hotspots - Limit exposure to known tick-infested areas during peak seasons

Vaccination

Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine specifically for canine anaplasmosis in most countries. Prevention relies primarily on tick control measures. Some combination vaccines may offer protection against certain tick-borne diseases, but not specifically anaplasmosis.

Consult with your veterinarian about the most appropriate prevention protocol based on your geographic location and your dog's lifestyle and risk factors.

Treatment Options

If your dog tests positive for Anaplasma, treatment typically includes:

Antibiotic Therapy

• Doxycycline is the primary antibiotic of choice
• Treatment usually lasts for 2-4 weeks
• Most dogs show improvement within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics
• Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms resolve quickly

Supportive Care

• Pain management if joint pain is present
• Anti-nausea medications if vomiting occurs
• Fluid therapy if dehydration is present
• Additional medications or treatments for specific complications

Follow-up Testing

• Retesting is typically recommended after completing antibiotic treatment
• Some dogs may remain positive on tests despite successful treatment of clinical disease
• Your veterinarian will advise on the need for additional testing or treatment

Early detection and treatment lead to the best outcomes. This is why having access to reliable rapid testing is crucial for dogs showing symptoms or after known tick exposure.

FAQs About Canine Anaplasma

Q: Can humans get anaplasmosis from infected dogs?
A: No, anaplasmosis cannot be transmitted directly from dogs to humans. However, the same ticks that infect dogs can also bite and infect humans, so a dog with anaplasmosis indicates tick presence in your environment.

Q: How long after a tick bite will symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically develop within 1-2 weeks after an infected tick bite, though some dogs may remain asymptomatic.

Q: How accurate are rapid tests for Anaplasma?
A: Our rapid tests provide high sensitivity and specificity for detecting Anaplasma antibodies. They detect exposure rather than active infection, and results should be interpreted by a veterinarian alongside clinical signs and possibly additional testing. For comprehensive screening, MeLCo-MED offers several combo rapid tests that can detect Anaplasma along with other common tick-borne diseases in a single test, allowing for more complete diagnostic information.

Q: Can anaplasmosis be completely cured?
A: With proper antibiotic treatment, most dogs recover completely from the clinical disease. However, some dogs may remain carriers of the bacteria or test positive for antibodies for extended periods after treatment.

Q: Is anaplasmosis seasonal?
A: Risk is highest during peak tick seasons (typically spring through fall), but in warmer climates or with certain tick species, transmission can occur year-round.

Q: Can a dog be infected with anaplasmosis and other tick-borne diseases simultaneously?
A: Yes, co-infections are common since the same tick species can transmit multiple pathogens. Dogs can be simultaneously infected with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, or Borrelia (Lyme disease). In endemic areas, dogs may also have a co-infection with Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), which are transmitted by mosquitoes but often occur together with tick-borne diseases. These co-infections can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms may overlap or intensify. Our combined rapid tests from MeLCo-MED allow for the simultaneous detection of multiple infections:

• Canine Ehrlichia-Lyme-Anaplasma-Heartworm (CEHR Ab-CLym Ab-CANA Ab-CHW Ag) Combo Rapid Test: Tests for four common vector-borne diseases in one test. View product
• Canine Anaplasma-Lyme-Ehrlichia (CANA Ab-CLym Ab-CEHR Ab) Combo Rapid Test: Detects the three main tick-borne diseases affecting dogs. View product
• Canine Ehrlichia-Anaplasma-Heartworm (CEHR Ab-CANA Ab-CHW Ag) Combo Rapid Test: Screens for two tick-borne diseases plus heartworm. View product
• Canine Ehrlichia-Anaplasma (CEHR Ab-CANA Ab) Combo Rapid Test: Focuses on the two most common tick-borne bacterial infections. View product

Q: Should I test my dog if I found a tick but there are no symptoms?
A: Discuss with your veterinarian. Testing may be recommended if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, especially in high-risk areas.

Q: How long should I wait after tick removal to test my dog?
A: Antibodies typically develop 2-3 weeks after infection. If testing immediately after finding a tick, a negative result may need to be rechecked if symptoms develop later.

References and Additional Information
For more detailed information on canine anaplasmosis, please consult these authoritative sources:

• European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP): Provides evidence-based guidelines for parasite control in companion animals. www.esccap.org
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA); Offers global guidelines for diagnosis and management of vector-borne diseases. www.wsava.org
• Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC): Provides prevalence maps and treatment guidelines for tick-borne diseases. www.capcvet.org

These organizations regularly update their guidelines based on the latest scientific research. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to consult these resources for the most current recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine anaplasmosis.