Haemobartonella canis
Holly Frisby, DVM
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Haemobartonellosis is a tick transmitted (and sometimes flea transmitted) disease that affects both dogs and cats. Haemobartonellosis targets the red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen. In cats, it is called feline infectious anemia.
What causes haemobartonellosis?
Haemobartonellosis is caused by Haemobartonella canis and H. felis. H. canis and H. felis are not typical bacteria. They belong to a group of microorganisms called mycoplasma, which are the smallest free-living type of 'germs'.
How are H. canis and H. felis transmitted?
Fleas and ticks become infected with Haemobartonella by feeding on an infected animal. When the flea or tick then feeds on another animal, the Haemobartonella are passed on. Because Haemobartonella live in the blood cells, they could be spread via a blood transfusion from an infected animal to a noninfected one. In the cat, Haemobartonella can also be spread from the queen (mother cat) to her kittens. There is evidence bitches can also pass Haemobartonella to their puppies, but is has not been proven.
What are the symptoms of haemobartonellosis in dogs?
In the dog, the disease is generally not apparent unless the dog has previously had its spleen removed (splenectomy), has a suppressed immune system (e.g., from taking cancer chemotherapy), or is infected with other organisms such as Ehrlichia. The spleen is responsible for filtering the blood and its job is to remove and destroy damaged red blood cells, like those seen in haemobartonellosis. That is why a dog without a spleen is more susceptible - there is nothing to remove the infected cells (and the Haemobartonella) from the bloodstream.
Since one tick could be infected with and transmit more than one disease (e.g., haemobartonellosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis), it is not all that uncommon to see a dog infected with more than one of these diseases at a time.
How is haemobartonellosis diagnosed?
Sometimes the organism can be seen inside cells on a blood smear. To find them, a small drop of blood is spread over a microscope slide, stained and examined under the microscope. The number of organisms in the bloodstream can fluctuate dramatically. There can be many observed in one sample, and a sample taken two hours later may reveal none.
How is haemobartonellosis treated?
Antibiotics such as tetracycline, oxytetracycline, or doxycycline are given for three weeks. In some animals, it is necessary to give one or multiple transfusions.
How is haemobartonellosis prevented?
As with other diseases transmitted by fleas or ticks, flea control and tick control are the foundations of prevention. Products which repel and kill ticks and fleas such as Bio Spot for Dogs is a good choice. For dogs, tick collars containing the active ingredient amitraz are also used, sometimes in conjunction with Bio Spot in those areas with high tick infestation.
Can people get haemobartonellosis?
There have been no reported cases of haemobartonellosis in people.
