11/19/2025
Diesel is an almost 14 year old Pug x Boston Terrier mix. When Diesel came in at the end of October he was not eating, breathing heavier than normal, lethargic and reluctant to walk. When he did walk, his gait was very stiff. During our initial discussion with his owners we discovered he did go camping recently.
His owners administered Simparica for flea and tick prevention, but only from May to August. Since it was not given to him in September and in October, he was not protected while camping. During his camping trip, Diesel's owners pulled five ticks off of him.
On his exam, he had a fever of 105 degrees. The average temperature for a dog runs 99.9- 102.5 degrees. The technicians drew blood from him and sent it to the lab. An appetite stimulate and doxycycline were started pending lab work results.
As veterinary professionals, based on the signs and history, our immediate thought was tick-borne disease. Doctor Smith reviewed a slide and saw intracytoplasmic organisms (microbes that live and reproduce inside the inside of the cell) in the neutrophils (a type of white blood cell)- which is shown in the picture below next to Diesel. He also had low platelets which can occur with Anaplasmosis-an infection transmitted by ticks. The rest of the blood work results were consistent with the diagnosis as well.
Anaplasma is an organism that is transmitted by the deer tick, commonly referred to as the black-legged tick or bear tick. Signs of Anaplasmosis includes lethargy, decreased appetite and high fever. Some dogs may exhibit limping or lameness due to their joints becoming painful. Less common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and difficulty with breathing.
With proper treatment, Diesel is BACK to himself and is doing wonderfully. This is a reminder that year round flea and tick prevention is very important in Wisconsin. Ticks will be out anytime the temperature is above freezing, even in the heart of winter.
Please discuss with a veterinary professional what preventive medication is most effective and appropriate for your pets.