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Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis, Hemobartonellosis (Bacterial Infection with Mycoplasma Species) in Dogs

Occurrence: rarer
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis, also known as Hemobartonellosis, is a bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in dogs caused by Mycoplasma species. These pathogens attack red blood cells and can lead to anemia.

The most important facts at a glance

Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis in dogs is caused by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. that colonize red blood cells and stimulate the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to attack these cells. This leads to hemolytic anemia, which impairs oxygen transport in the body. Symptoms include loss of appetite, ApathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest., Pallor of the mucous membranes, Fever, weakness, jaundice, increased respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. rate, Joint pain, and Ocular inflammation. Rarely, bluish mucous membranes, Weight loss, and dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. may also occur. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by clinical examination and laboratory tests, especially PCR, to detect Mycoplasma DNADNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, function, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It is located in the cells of an organism and contains the information for heredity.. Treatment includes antibiotics such as doxycycline and supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures, such as blood transfusions for severe anemia. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is often good with timely treatment, but a delayed diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. can have serious consequences. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. focuses on controlling vectors such as ticks, the regular use of tick control products, and avoiding contact with infected animals. Blood transfusions should only be performed with blood tested for Mycoplasma to minimize the risk of transmission.

Causes

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas are a group of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. that colonize the surface of red blood cells. These bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. are atypical because they lack a cell wall and are characterized by a flexible membrane. This makes them resistantResistant means being insensitive to a substance, drug, or treatment. In dogs and cats, resistance can refer to the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain bacterial strains or the insensitivity of parasites to certain pesticides. to many antibiotics that target the cell wall, leading to specific challenges in treatment.

The mycoplasmas that cause Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis in dogs belong to the genus Mycoplasma. The best-known species are Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum. These microorganisms can be transmitted by vectors such as ticks and possibly by bites or blood transfusions.

The infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. leads to damage to the red blood cells, which triggers the body’s immune responseAn immune response is the immune system's reaction to foreign substances (antigens), such as microorganisms or proteins. It involves a series of processes aimed at recognizing, fighting, and eliminating these antigens.. The immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. begins to attack the infected blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. This can impair oxygen transport in the body and lead to a variety of clinical symptoms.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis can vary and depend on the severity of the anemia and the overall health of the affected dog. The most common signs include lethargy, Pallor of the mucous membranes, decreased appetite, and Weight loss. Severe anemia can also lead to an accelerated heart rate and shortness of breath.

In some cases, dogs also show signs of jaundice, which indicates excessive destructionDestruction means “demolition.” In medicine, it refers to the destruction of cells, tissues, organs, or body parts. The growth of malignant Tumors is also usually accompanied by destruction of the surrounding tissue. of red blood cells and an overload of the liver. Fever, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), and swollen lymph nodes may also occur, especially if the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is accompanied by other diseases.

Diagnosis

DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis is made through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests. A blood testA blood test is a laboratory procedure in which blood is drawn and analyzed to obtain information about the body's health. It can include various parameters such as blood sugar, blood count, liver and kidney values. can reveal anemia and provide evidence of a hemolytic component, such as the presence of spherocytes or an elevated bilirubinBilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when hemoglobin from red blood cells is broken down. It is further processed in the liver and then excreted via the bile. Elevated bilirubin levels may indicate liver dysfunction or impaired bile excretion. concentration.

A specific test to detect Mycoplasma DNADNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, function, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It is located in the cells of an organism and contains the information for heredity., such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), is crucial for confirming the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. This method allows for direct detection of the pathogens in a blood sample. Because the bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. can appear episodically in the blood, repeated tests may be necessary to confidently confirm the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Therapy

Treatment for Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis typically requires a combination of antibiotic therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures. Doxycycline is often the antibiotic of choice because it is effective against Mycoplasma. Treatment can take several weeks to ensure the bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. are effectively eliminated.

In severe cases where significant anemia is present, a blood transfusion may be necessary to rapidly replace red blood cells and ensure the body is receiving enough oxygen. SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. care, including fluid therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and nutritional support, may also be needed to promote recovery.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for dogs with Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis depends on various factors, including the speed of diagnosis and start of treatment, the severity of the anemia, and the dog’s overall health. With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is often good, and most dogs recover completely.

However, without treatment or with delayed diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. can have serious health consequences and even be life-threatening. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. infections can also lead to recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. episodes of anemia, requiring long-term medical monitoring.

Prevention

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis focuses primarily on controlling vector-borne transmission, especially from ticks. The use of effective tick control products and regular checks for tick infestation are crucial to minimize the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

In addition, dog owners should ensure that their animals do not come into contact with unknown or potentially infected dogs, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent. For dogs requiring blood transfusions, it is important to ensure that the donor blood has been tested for Mycoplasma to avoid the risk of transmission.