Canine Bartonella Infection

Canine-Bartonella-Infection

 

Bartonella  Infection is a bacterial disease which generally affects dogs. Humans can also contract this disease (also known as Cat Scratch Disease) through an infected pet. Well, coming back to pets, dogs pick up the infection through fleas, lice, ticks and sand flies. Dogs that are exposed to herding and hunting activities are more susceptible to contracting the disease than the ones dwelling in the urban areas. Canine Bartonella can become a nuisance if the dog lives in a place that is a hotspot for fleas and ticks. Therefore, pet owners settled in such areas must pay extra attention while taking their Fido outdoors. They must keep their pets on preventatives throughout the year and make the best use of flea and tick collars and topicals to repel fleas when out in the town.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bartonella Infection In Dogs?

Bartonellosis is a zoonotic disease which means it can be transmitted to humans and cats. In fact, the symptoms are also quite similar between animals and humans with subtle differences.  Some of the most common signs of Bartonella infection in dogs include –

  • Swelling or bump at the site of the insect bite
  • Fever
  • Seizures
  • Lameness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Brain Inflammation
  • Arthritis
  • Weight Loss
  • Enlarged liver
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Inflammation of lymph nodes
  • Muscle ache
  • Redness of eye

Diagnosis Of Bartonella Infection In Dogs

Bartonella Infection in dogs is diagnosed by conducting several blood tests which gives a complete biochemical profile of the dog. Some cases of Bartonellosis may also require urinalysis. These diagnostic procedures provide complete information about the blood count and variation in the albumin.

Treatment Of Bartonella Infection In Dogs

Bartonella in dogs is treated by a number of antibiotics formulated to cure a bacterial infection. Veterinarians suggest the pet owners use flea and tick preventatives for future protection from the disease. Flea and tick collars, sprays and body Malaseb shampoos for dogs are also one of the best bets to combat these nasty parasites lurking in the surroundings.

In humans, the first step of action is to clean the affected site and the patient is put on a course of antibiotics. Though Bartonella doesn’t affect humans as much as it does to pets, still, caution must be taken to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Bartonella Infection can recur in pets with a single bite of a flea or a tick. So, it is very important that all precautions are taken way in advance so your furry companion doesn’t have to suffer later.

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