Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis are known as tick-borne diseases because they are transmitted when ticks bite and feed. In dogs exposed to Lyme disease, many will not show any clinical signs of illness. However, some may develop fever and lameness. In complicated cases, dogs may develop acute kidney failure or show neurologic manifestations. Dogs do not develop the EM rash seen in people. Similarly, dogs exposed to anaplasmosis or ehrlichia may not demonstrate any clinical signs but may develop fever, lethargy, and bleeding disorders. One of the most consistent findings in canine anaplasmosis and ehrlichia is low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).

4DX SNAP testing is very accurate and is an excellent way to identify dogs that may be infected with one or more of these diseases. It is also very convenient because it uses a very small amount of blood and takes only a few minutes to perform. In some cases, we might recommend additional testing to follow up on a positive test result to gain more information about your dog’s overall condition. Because clinical signs are not always apparent, periodic testing is a good way to identify dogs that have been infected. Even dogs that receive year-round tick control products and don’t spend a lot of time outside can be at risk for exposure to tick-borne diseases. Testing helps identify dogs that need treatment for one of these infections or an adjustment in the type of tick control being used.