Hemotropic Mycoplasm Infection in Dogs (Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis)
- Synonyms: Haemoplasmosis, canine infectious anaemia, haemotrophic mycoplasmosis, infectious anaemia, haemobartonellosis
- Occurrence: rarer
- Location of disease: General/Whole body
When to visit the vet?
Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Haemotrophic mycoplasmosis, also known as haemobartonellosis, is a bacterial infection in dogs caused by Mycoplasma species. These pathogens attack red blood cells and can lead to anaemia.
The most important facts at a glance
Haemotrophic mycoplasmosis in dogs is caused by bacteria that settle on red blood cells and stimulate the immune system to attack these cells. This leads to haemolytic anaemia, which impairs oxygen transport in the body. Symptoms include loss of appetite, apathy, pale mucous membranes, fever, weakness, jaundice, increased respiratory rate, joint pain, and ocular inflammation. Rarely, bluish mucous membranes, weight loss, and dehydration may also occur. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and laboratory tests, especially PCR to detect Mycoplasma DNA. Treatment includes antibiotics such as doxycycline and supportive measures, such as blood transfusions for severe anaemia. The prognosis is often good with timely treatment, but a delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences. Prevention focuses on controlling vectors such as ticks, regular use of tick preventatives, and avoiding contact with infected animals. Blood transfusions should only be given using blood tested for mycoplasmas to minimise the risk of transmission.
Causes
Haemotrophic mycoplasmas are a group of bacteria that settle on the surface of red blood cells. These bacteria are atypical because they have no cell wall and are characterised by a flexible membrane. This makes them resistant to many antibiotics that target the cell wall and creates specific challenges in treatment.
The mycoplasmas that cause haemotrophic 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 through bites or blood transfusions.
The infection damages red blood cells, triggering the body’s immune response. The immune system begins to attack the infected blood cells, leading to haemolytic anaemia. This can impair oxygen transport in the body and lead to a range of clinical symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of haemotrophic mycoplasmosis can vary and depend on the severity of the anaemia and the affected dog’s overall health. The most common signs include lethargy, pallor of the mucous membranes, reduced appetite, and weight loss. With severe anaemia, an increased heart rate and shortness of breath may also occur.
In some cases, dogs also show signs of jaundice, indicating excessive destruction of red blood cells and an overload of the liver. Fever, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), and swollen lymph nodes can also occur, especially when the infection is accompanied by other diseases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of haemotrophic mycoplasmosis is made through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests. A blood test can reveal anaemia and provide indications of a haemolytic component, such as the presence of spherocytes or an increased bilirubin concentration.
A specific test to detect Mycoplasma DNA, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), is crucial to confirm the diagnosis. This method allows direct detection of the pathogens in a blood sample. Because the bacteria may appear in the blood episodically, repeated tests may be necessary to confirm the infection reliably.
Therapy
Treating haemotrophic mycoplasmosis usually requires a combination of antibiotic therapy and supportive measures. Doxycycline is often the antibiotic of choice because it is effective against mycoplasmas. Treatment may take several weeks to ensure the bacteria are effectively eliminated.
In severe cases with significant anaemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary to quickly replace red blood cells and ensure the body’s oxygen supply. Supportive care, including fluid therapy and nutritional support, may also be needed to promote recovery.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with haemotrophic mycoplasmosis depends on various factors, including how quickly the diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the severity of the anaemia, and the dog’s overall health. With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is often good and most dogs recover fully.
Without treatment or with a delayed diagnosis, however, the infection can have serious health consequences and may even be life-threatening. Chronic infections can also lead to recurring episodes of anaemia, requiring long-term medical monitoring.
Prevention
Prevention of haemotrophic mycoplasmosis focuses mainly on controlling the transmitting vectors, especially ticks. Using effective tick preventatives and regular checks for tick infestation are essential to minimise the risk of infection.
In addition, dog owners should ensure their animals do not come into contact with unknown or potentially infected dogs, especially in areas where the disease is common. For dogs that require blood transfusions, it is important to ensure that donor blood has been tested for mycoplasmas to avoid the risk of transmission.