Introduction

Classification

Taxonomy

• Rickettsia.
• Family: Mycoplasmataceae.
• Genus: Mycoplasma.

Active Forms

Clinical Effects

Epidemiology

Habitat

• Attaches to canine erythrocyte membranes.
• Host species-specific.
• Ticks may be reservoir hosts.

Lifecycle

• Reproduces in inclusion bodies attached to erythrocyte membrane.
• It is possible that multiplication may occur in ticks.

Transmission

• Ticks Ixodes ricinus.
• Blood transfusion.
• In utero.
• Most studies of transmission mechanisms have been experimental.

Pathological effects

• Disease is caused by immune-mediated destruction of eythrocytes.
• Immunosuppression potentiates the severity of the disease.

• Anemia Anemia: overview in splenectomized infected dogs.

Other Host Effects

• May be an incidental finding on blood smears.
• Often non-pathogenic.

Control

Control via chemotherapies

• Tetracyclines Tetracycline are the treatment of choice.
• May require concurrent glucorticoid therapy to stop immune-mediated destruction of erythrocytes.
• Chlorpromazine or metronidazole may be required for resistant strains.

Diagnosis

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Brinson J J & Messick J B (2001) Use of a polymerase chain reaction​ assay for detection of Haemobartonella canis in a dog. JAVMA 218 (12), 1943-1945, 1936 PubMed.
• Lester S J, Hume J B & Phipps B (1995) Haemobartonella canis infection following splenectomy and transfusion. Can Vet J 36 (7), 444-445 PubMed.
• Gretillat S (1981) Haemobartonella canis (Kiküth 1928) in the blood of dogs with parvovirus disease. JSAP 22 (10), 647-653 PubMed.
• Pryor W H Jr. & Bradbury R P (1975) Haemobartonella canis infection in research dogs. Lab Anim Sci 25 (5), 566-569 PubMed.