In general, our knowledge of tickborne diseases in cats is substantially less than our knowledge of the comparable disease in dogs or human patients. One exception to this generality is cytauxzoonosis, a protozoal disease of cats caused by Cytauxzoon felis. The organism is supposedly transmitted from bobcats, the primary reservoir host, to domestic cats via a tick vector (the ixodid tick Dermacentor variabilis). Because of the rapidly fatal nature of C. felis–induced illness, the domestic cat has usually been considered an accidental dead-end host for this infectious agent. Typical clinical manifestations include depression, lethargy, anorexia, fever, and jaundice.

1. A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
AUGUST 2005 VOLUME 3, NUMBER 3
Tickborne Diseases
of Cats
Edward B. Breitschwerdt, DVM
Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
North Carolina State University
In general, our knowledge of tickborne states, cytauxzoonosis is now reported disease transmission. Most tick-transmitted
diseases in cats is substantially less than throughout the southeastern, south pathogens require a 24- to 48-hour
our knowledge of the comparable disease central, and mid-Atlantic states. As period of attachment to the host before
in dogs or human patients. One exception such, cytauxzoonosis is an important successful transmission of an infectious
to this generality is cytauxzoonosis, a emerging tickborne disease of cats with organism is possible. Fastidious grooming
protozoal disease of cats caused by an expanding geographic distribution. may result in the early removal of most
Cytauxzoon felis. The organism is In C. felis–endemic regions, acaracides ticks from cats and, thereby, the
supposedly transmitted from bobcats, should be recommended routinely for cats prevention of disease transmission.
the primary reservoir host, to domestic in an effort to prevent this highly fatal Alternatively, serologic testing in cats
cats via a tick vector (the ixodid tick infection. has led to confusing and somewhat
Dermacentor variabilis). Because of the Recent molecular evidence indicates discordant data. Therefore, as described
rapidly fatal nature of C. felis–induced that cats can also be infected with below, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
illness, the domestic cat has usually been Anaplasma phagocytophilum and an testing should be used more frequently in
considered an accidental dead-end host Ehrlichia canis–like organism. The the future to clarify the role of tickborne
for this infectious agent. Typical clinical infrequent diagnosis of anaplasmosis organisms as a cause of disease in cats.
manifestations include depression, and ehrlichiosis in cats may be related
lethargy, anorexia, fever, and jaundice. to a number of factors, including a
Cats often die less than a week from the general underrecognition of tickborne IN THIS ISSUE:
initial onset of clinical signs. Some cats, diseases in cats, potentially decreased Tickborne Diseases of Cats ........ 1
however, survive C. felis infections and pathogenicity of tickborne organisms in
after recovery may remain asymptomatic cats as compared with dogs or people, Tickborne Diseases of Dogs....... 4
carriers for months to years. Initially and the rapid removal of ticks from cats Ask the Vet ................................ 7
reported in Missouri and surrounding resulting in decreased opportunity for

2. Although various Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, comparable E. canis DNA sequences A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
and Neorickettsia spp have been reported obtained from canine E. canis isolates.
AUGUST 2005 VOLUME 3, NUMBER
to cause disease in cows, sheep, dogs, Because no isolates were made from 3
horses, and humans, the role of any these cats, a more complete genetic Consulting Editors
specific species as a pathogen in cats characterization was not possible; Albert Ahn, DVM
remains less clearly defined. The first therefore, we are currently describing Vice President of Corporate
evidence for naturally occurring feline these feline infections as E. canis–like. Communications and Veterinary
ehrlichiosis was provided by Charpentier Antibodies could not be detected in Operations
and Groulade in France. Feline these cats by immunofluorescent assay The Hartz Mountain Corporation
ehrlichiosis was subsequently reported in using E. canis antigens. Serum from all Bruce Truman
1989 by Buoro and colleagues when they three cats from Canada and the United Senior Director
described intracytoplasmic inclusions in States contained antinuclear antibodies. Animal Health and Nutrition
The Hartz Mountain Corporation
monocytes and lymphocytes derived from The predominant disease manifestations
three cats in Kenya. By both light and included polyarthritis accompanied Associate Editors
electron microscopy, the inclusions were by fever in one cat, bone marrow Jill A. Richardson, DVM
morphologically similar to Ehrlichia sp hypoplasia or dysplasia accompanied Director—Consumer Relations
morulae, as observed on blood smears by pancytopenia in one cat, and anemia The Hartz Mountain Corporation
obtained from other animals. Subsequently, and thrombocytopenia in one cat. In David Levy
morulae were described in stained blood dogs, neutrophilic polyarthritis has Assistant Manager
smears obtained from cats in the United been most frequently associated with Animal Health and Nutrition
The Hartz Mountain Corporation
States, France, Brazil, and Sweden. To E. ewingii infection. Neutrophilic
date, no Anaplasma or Ehrlichia spp have polyarthritis in the one cat was confirmed
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMAL SM
been cultured from the blood of a cat; by cytologic analysis of joint fluid at is produced for The Hartz Mountain
however, Bjoersdorff and colleagues 1 and 3 years of age, suggesting the Corporation by Veterinary Learning
amplified and sequenced 16S rDNA possibility of chronic E. canis–like Systems, 780 Township Line Rd.,
(from an EDTA blood sample obtained infection. Previous serologic studies Yardley, PA 19067.
from a 14-month-old shorthaired cat have reported an association between Copyright © 2005 The Hartz Mountain
from Sweden) that was 100% similar to thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, Corporation. All rights reserved.
canine and equine A. phagocytophilum and polyarthritis in cats that had E. canis Hartz® and other marks are owned by
strains from the same region. antibodies. Other nonspecific clinical The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
Experimentally, inoculation of cats with abnormalities, including lethargy,
Printed in U.S.A. No part of this
A. phagocytophilum resulted in anorexia, conjunctivitis, swelling in the publication may be reproduced in any
asymptomatic infection or mild fever ventral neck region, and mild interstitial form without the express written
and depression, and the development lung disease, were reported in these cats permission of the publisher.
of neutrophilic and eosinophilic and can be observed in association with For more information on The Hartz
morulae. Recently, several laboratories, canine ehrlichiosis. Mountain Corporation, visit
including the North Carolina State There is increasing evidence that ticks, www.hartz.com.
University Vector Borne Diseases as well as fleas, can transmit Bartonella
Diagnostic Laboratory, have amplified spp. The extent to which various tick perpetuating future generations of
A. phagocytophilum DNA from the blood species are vector competent to transmit tickborne organisms.
of acutely ill cats with fever, lethargy, various Bartonella spp to cats, dogs, or To further define the spectrum of
inappetence and thrombocytopenia. humans is unknown. There are numerous feline tickborne infections and until such
These feline cases have been identified in recent reviews of bartonellosis that time as serologic testing is thoroughly
geographic regions that are endemic for provide veterinarians with an excellent validated in experimentally or naturally
canine, equine, or human anaplasmosis. background for these emerging zoonotic infected cats, PCR testing will be
Our research group has also described infectious organisms. Two reviews are necessary. In addition, until E. canis and
E. canis–like infection in young cats from cited in the suggested readings. Similar to other tickborne pathogens have been
the southeastern United States, eastern Ehrlichia spp, Bartonella spp can cause isolated from cats and several isolates are
Canada, and France. Based on PCR long-lasting intravascular infections in available from disparate geographic
amplification and DNA sequencing, the cats and dogs. As with other vectorborne regions for detailed comparative genetic
Ehrlichia DNA amplified from the blood organisms, blood serves as a food source study, the molecular evidence supporting
of these cats was 100% similar to the for fleas and ticks and as a means of E. canis infection in cats must be
2 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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• AUGUST 2005 • VOL. 3, NO. 3

3. interpreted with caution. Because tick should be avoided because it denatures ■ If the PCR test is properly designed
exposure has not been clearly established DNA with prolonged exposure. and performed, a false-positive result
in cats with E. canis–like infection, it is should not occur. PCR contamination
■ After completion of treatment to
possible that an Ehrlichia genotype, with can result in a false-positive result.
confirm therapeutic elimination of
complete or partial 16S rDNA homology However, good molecular diagnostic
the infection (i.e., failure to detect
with E. canis, is capable of infecting cats laboratories run several controls to help
DNA supports treatment success):
and may have evolved with a different avoid or detect PCR contamination.
Conceptually, veterinarians can think
mode of transmission as compared with Newer PCR approaches such as
of PCR testing as using the same
tick transmission of E. canis to dogs. real-time PCR greatly decrease the
logic and approach as when culturing
To facilitate the generation of possibility of PCR contamination as
urine. It is best to perform PCR
new information related to tickborne compared to older, conventional PCR
before antibiotic administration or
infections in cats, veterinarians will assays.
after treatment has been stopped. If
have to become more knowledgeable
treatment has not eliminated the ■ PCR assays performed by different
about molecular versus serologic testing
infection, waiting 2 to 3 weeks after laboratories can vary substantially in
modalities. I will briefly review some
treatment should allow the number of the quality of the assay and test
considerations when requesting molecular-
organisms to increase in the blood or results. Always know your laboratory.
based diagnostic testing on a cat with
tissue sample to a level that can be
suspected tickborne infection.
detected by PCR.
SUGGESTED READING
Bjoersdorff A, Svendenius L, Owens JH, Massung RF:
PCR testing should be used Feline granulocytic ehrlichiosis—A report of a new
clinical entity and characterisation of the infectious
more frequently to clarify the role of tickborne agent. J Small Anim Pract 40:20–24, 1999.
Bondy PJ, Cohn LA, Kerl ME: Feline cytauxzoonosis.
organisms as a cause of disease. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 27:69–75, 2005.
Bouloy RP, Lappin MR, Holland CH, et al: Clinical
ehrlichiosis in a cat. JAVMA 204:1475–1478, 1994.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS ■ When the species of an infectious
Breitschwerdt EB, Abrams-Ogg ACG, Lappin M, et al:
AND PCR TESTING: agent is important for determination Molecular evidence supporting Ehrlichia canis-like
DO’S AND DON’TS of the appropriate type of drug to use infection in cats. J Vet Intern Med 16:642–649, 2002.
PCR is a highly sensitive diagnostic for treatment: For example, different Breitschwerdt EB, Kordick DL: Bartonella infection in
drugs would be used to treat Babesia animals: Carriership, reservoir potential,
technique that can be used to detect small pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential for human
quantities of bacterial, viral, or protozoal canis and Babesia gibsoni infections in infection. Clin Microbiol Rev 13:428–438, 2000.
DNA or RNA in a patient’s blood, fluid, dogs. Species-specific PCR allows Buoro IBJ, Atwell RB, Kiptoon J, et al: Feline anemia
or tissue specimens. PCR does not differentiation of the infecting species. associated with Ehrlichia-like bodies in three domestic
shorthaired cats. Vet Rec 125:434–436, 1989.
amplify or detect antibodies or antigens,
Charpentier F, Groulade P: Probable case of ehrlichiosis
only DNA or RNA. Therefore, the PCR: Points to Ponder in a cat. Bull Acad Vet Fr 59:287–290, 1986.
targeted organism must be in the sample ■ Although this is a very sensitive test, Chomel B, Kasten RW, Sykes JE, et al: Clinical impact
for its DNA or RNA to be detected. a negative PCR result will never of persistent Bartonella bacteremia in humans and
definitively eliminate the possibility animals. Ann N Y Acad Sci 990:1–12, 2003.
When to Use PCR Testing of an infectious agent. Kidd L, Breitschwerdt EB: Transmission times and
prevention of tick-borne diseases in dogs. Compend
■ Before administration of an antibiotic
■ Repeated negative PCR results from Contin Educ Pract Vet 25:742–750, 2003.
or antiprotozoal drug to confirm Lappin MR, Breitschwerdt EB, Jensen WA, et al:
the same patient would strongly
active infection (i.e., presence of Molecular and serologic evidence of Anaplasma
support therapeutic elimination of the
DNA equals presence of the organism): phagocytophilum infection in cats in North America.
infectious agent. JAVMA 225(6):893–896, 2004.
Antibody tests confirm exposure to
Luria BJ, Levy JK, Lappin MR, et al: Prevalence of
the organism and may or may not be ■ In most instances, the use of infectious diseases in feral cats in northern Florida.
reflective of active infection. When in glucocorticoids will increase the J Feline Med Surg 6:287–296, 2004.
doubt, store an EDTA-anticoagulated number of infectious particles in Meinkoth J, Kocan AA: Feline cytauxzoonosis. Vet Clin
blood sample in the refrigerator the blood. Therefore, corticosteroid North Am Small Anim Pract 35:89–101, 2005.
before administering treatments. It is administration, particularly at Stubbs CJ, Holland CJ, Reif JS, et al: Feline ehrlichiosis:
Literature review and serologic survey. Compend
better to have a pretreatment sample immunosuppressive doses, can Contin Educ Pract Vet 22:307–317, 2000.
and not need it than to need the enhance PCR detection of an Wagner JE: A fatal cytauxzoonosis-like disease in cats.
sample and not have it. Formalin infectious agent. JAVMA 168:585–588, 1976.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2005 • VOL. 3, NO. 3 3

4. Tickborne Diseases
of Dogs
Edward B. Breitschwerdt, DVM
Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
North Carolina State University
Despite substantial progress in and tick-transmitted organisms need the comparative medical understanding
our understanding of the disease a “home” for the maintenance and of these seemingly elusive infectious
manifestations caused by several tick- perpetuation of future generations. agents.
transmitted pathogens, numerous Therefore, on a daily basis, veterinarians
challenges continue to confront the and pet owners are confronted with an CASE EXAMPLE
veterinary profession. This is particularly evolutionary cycle that has been ongoing To highlight the clinical complexity
true in the context of canine tickborne for millions of years. and the challenges to our current
infections. Depending on their geographic Without question, veterinarians play understanding of tick-transmitted
location, local environmental exposure a central role in the diagnosis, treatment, infectious diseases, I would like to use the
to brush and high grass (well confined and prevention of tick-transmitted following example from a consultation
or allowed to roam), utility (hunting, infectious diseases of companion animals. with a practice owner in Iowa. The
search and rescue, herding, household They also play an important role in veterinarian contacted me because one of
companion), and individual personalities, advising the public as to the zoonotic his “associates” had evaluated a dog that
dogs will experience highly variable potential of pathogens that are transmitted initially presented with acute onset of
degrees of tick infestation. For example, it by ticks to cats, dogs, and humans. weakness and mild anemia (hematocrit
is uncommon for a golden retriever or Based on scientific evidence that has 27%). Following “symptomatic therapy,”
Labrador retriever to stay on the sidewalk been generated during the past several the hematocrit normalized for several
and not run through high grass and low decades, tick-transmitted pathogens can weeks (rechecked at least four times);
brush, the favorite habitats of most ticks. induce clinical manifestations ranging however, on a subsequent recheck,
In addition, management practices, from acute fatal illnesses (e.g., Rocky the hematocrit was 12%, immune-
particularly for kennel dogs, will greatly Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
influence the frequency and severity of babesiosis) to chronic debilitating disease was diagnosed, and the dog was
tick infestations. For these reasons, tick states (e.g., ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, immediately referred to the University
exposure and tickborne infections, although borreliosis, bartonellosis). The family dog of Iowa College of Veterinary Medicine.
more frequent in medium- to large-breed is an exceptional environmental sentinel In conjunction with the medical
dogs or hunting and herding breeds, can for establishing the potential for management of IMHA, serum was sent
be found in all dog breeds and in most infection with tickborne organisms in a to the North Carolina State University
parts of the world. Clearly, the routine use given locality. Although controversial, Vector Borne Diseases Diagnostic
of acaracide products plays an important exposure surveillance for a spectrum of Laboratory (VBDDL) for a tickborne
role in killing ticks before pathogens can tickborne organisms in dogs can be used pathogen serology panel. Unfortunately,
be effectively transmitted; however, to educate clients and physicians as to the dog died before test results were
veterinarians should not assume that the potential for human infection. available, which is not surprising. Several
any available product or combination Clearly, minimizing or eliminating tick recent studies indicate that approximately
of products will be 100% effective in infestations in companion animals is 50% of IMHA referrals to tertiary care
preventing transmission of tickborne perhaps of greater importance to the centers die because of their disease. In
pathogens. Tick transmission of a pet-owning public today than during any our laboratory, immunofluorescent assay
spectrum of microorganisms constitutes previous time in history. In addition to detected Babesia canis antibodies (titer
a highly complex process that on an facilitating improvements in health care 1:64), and additional review of the dog’s
evolutionary basis seems to favor the tick for companion animals, veterinarians are history determined that the dog had
and the microorganism. Ticks need blood, contributing in a substantial manner to traveled to Arkansas during the previous
4 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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• AUGUST 2005 • VOL. 3, NO. 3

5. year. Conclusions we can draw from this COMPLICATING FACTORS IN When multiple factors simultaneously
example are as follows: CLINICAL CONFIRMATION induce chronic changes in structural,
I believe that the above example biochemical, and physiologic processes
1. A diagnosis of IMHA secondary to
of vectorborne infection is repeated over a protracted period of time, disease
babesiosis was made (perhaps), but
on a daily basis in veterinary practices expression can be highly variable,
too late to benefit the dog or the
throughout the United States, only even among a specific dog population.
owner.
with different organisms, different dogs, Because the factors that influence disease
2. Serologic evidence of B. canis exposure different owners, and different attending expression can differ significantly among
does not confirm active Babesia clinicians. The same evolutionary individuals within a given population,
infection. Polymerase chain reaction adaptations that facilitate the persistence clinicians should anticipate a broad
(PCR) testing would have documented of many tickborne infections in dogs spectrum of clinical, hematologic, or
active infection by detecting B. canis– also complicate clinical confirmation of biochemical abnormalities when focusing
specific DNA sequences in the dog’s disease causation. This is particularly true diagnostic emphasis on a single factor
blood sample. EDTA-anticoagulated when assessing diagnostic test results for or test result. For example, diverse
blood was not submitted to the an individual dog residing in a highly disease manifestations, including
VBDDL at the same time the serum endemic area for vectorborne infections. epistaxis, IMHA, immune-mediated
sample was submitted, so PCR testing For example, our research group has thrombocytopenia, glomerulonephritis,
was not a possibility. Because Babesia generated PCR evidence (i.e., finding polyarthritis, and myelofibrosis, have
spp are intraerythrocytic organisms, organism-specific DNA) for the presence been historically attributed to Ehrlichia
DNA must be extracted from the of six different tickborne pathogens in a canis infection in dogs. For a variety of
erythrocytes for PCR amplification. single EDTA blood sample, obtained reasons, it is increasingly clear that
3. Arkansas is highly endemic for B. from a Walker hound with extensive tick canine ehrlichiosis is a disease complex
canis. Iowa is not endemic for B. canis. exposure. Most dogs in this kennel also that is influenced by the infecting
The dog most likely acquired the
infection from a brown dog tick
(Rhipicephalus sanguineus) while in The same evolutionary adaptations that facilitate
Arkansas. the persistence of tickborne infections also
Other considerations include:
complicate clinical confirmation of disease causation.
1. Because of research by Dr. Adam
Birkenheuer at NCSU (and others had antibodies to nearly every tickborne Ehrlichia sp, the host immune response,
around the country), babesiosis is organism for which we tested. Therefore, coinfection with other vectorborne or
becoming recognized as an emerging clinicians need to recognize that the nonvectorborne pathogens, and perhaps
canine and human infectious disease mammalian body functions as a component numerous other factors yet to be
in the United States. of numerous complex ecosystems, which clarified. In addition to E. canis, other
facilitates the evolutionary perpetuation species (Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia
2. Babesiosis is a definitive cause of
of vectorborne bacteria, protozoa, and ruminatum, and Ehrlichia ewingii) can
IMHA in dogs.
viruses. In practical terms, this means cause ehrlichiosis in dogs and people. In
3. Based on recent studies, both that the detection of antibodies, conjunction with numerous highly
visualization of Babesia organisms on antigens, DNA, RNA, or the culture variable host factors, the infecting
blood smears and serologic testing are of microorganisms from a sick dog in a Ehrlichia sp can influence disease
insensitive diagnostic tests as compared highly endemic tick environment does expression. For instance, polyarthritis in
with PCR. not directly support a cause and effect dogs is more frequently associated with
4. Dogs, owners, and other animals travel relationship between detection of the E. ewingii infection than with E. canis or
farther and more frequently than at microorganism and those disease E. chaffeensis infection. It is also possible
any other time in history. Recent manifestations found in an individual that genetic variation in organism
examples of infectious agents that patient. virulence can influence disease severity.
“travel” include SARS, monkeypox, It is also increasingly obvious For instance, dogs infected with E. canis
West Nile virus, and canine that disease expression is frequently in Greece are likely to develop severe
leishmaniasis. multifactorial, particularly in those bone marrow suppression that is
5. It takes only one brown dog tick to instances in which vectorborne organisms frequently not therapeutically responsive
transmit B. canis. use blood or the vasculature as a reservoir. to doxycycline. Both of these
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2005 • VOL. 3, NO. 3 5

6. observations are in direct contrast to the E. chaffeensis, Rickettsia rickettsii, and the potential for the transmission of these
overall experience with E. canis infections other less pathogenic spotted fever group pathogens. Also useful would be a means
in the United States (i.e., pancytopenia rickettsiae, such as Rickettsia montana and of tracking companion animal infectious
is rare and most dogs, despite chronic Rickettsia rhipicephalus. These geographic diseases maintained by an organization
illness, respond hematologically after differences can be problematic when such as the Centers for Disease Control
doxycycline administration). In addition, determining the causative pathogen, and Prevention or the Infectious Diseases
recent data indicate that the common particularly because many tick-transmitted Society of America. Currently, no
evolutionary history of Anaplasma, infections result in a prolonged subclinical database exists to address local, regional,
Babesia, Bartonella, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, course. Therefore, a dog or cat might be or national concerns about these diseases
and Rickettsia spp has resulted in infected in an endemic area where in companion animals.
complex polymicrobial interactions that veterinarians are very familiar with the
influence the pathophysiology of disease disease manifestations but become ill SUGGESTED READING
expression in dogs and human patients. months to years later after moving to an Adelson ME, Rao RV, Tilton RC, et al: Prevalence
of Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella spp., Babesia microti,
For clinicians and diagnostic laboratories, area where the disease is not endemic and and Anaplasma phagocytophila in Ixodes scapularis ticks
confirming active infection caused by veterinarians are far less familiar with the collected in northern New Jersey. J Clin Microbiol
42:2799–2801, 2004.
a single tickborne pathogen can be disease manifestations. This emphasizes
Birkenheuer AJ, Breitschwerdt EB: Canine babesiosis.
challenging, particularly when evaluating the importance of obtaining a travel Stand Care Emerg Crit Care Med 6(2):1–4, 2004.
chronic rather than acute illness. history for all sick animals when a vector- Birkenheuer AJ, Levy MG, Breitschwerdt EB:
Development and evaluation of a seminested PCR
for detection and differentiation of Babesia gibsoni
(Asian genotype) and B. canis DNA in canine blood
Development of a “tick vaccine” that would samples. J Clin Microbiol 41:4172–4177, 2003.
Breitschwerdt EB, Atkins CE, Brown TT, et al:
prevent transmission of tickborne pathogens Bartonella vinsonii supsp. berkhoffi and related
would seem to have great medical utility. members of the alpha subdivision of the Proteobacteria
in dogs with cardiac arrhythmias, endocarditis, or
myocarditis. J Clin Microbiol 37:3618–3626, 1999.
Breitschwerdt EB, Blann KR, Stebbins ME, et al:
Seroconversion, culture, and PCR can transmitted infectious disease is a Clinicopathologic abnormalities and treatment
response in 24 dogs seroreactive to Bartonella vinsonii
all be used to support causation in an diagnostic consideration. (berkhoffii) antigens. JAAHA 40:92–101, 2004.
acutely infected individual. However, Breitschwerdt EB, Hegarty BC, Hancock SI: Sequential
the microbiologic confirmation of CONCLUSIONS evaluation of dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia
canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia equi, Ehrlichia
polymicrobial tickborne infections in a Tick-transmitted infectious diseases ewingii or Bartonella vinsonii. J Clin Microbiol
chronically ill patient using these same will continue to challenge the creativity 36:2645–2651, 1998.
Daszak P, Cunningham AA, Hayatt AD: Emerging
diagnostic modalities can be extremely of the medical professions. Future infectious diseases of wildlife—Threats to biodiversity
difficult or in certain instances research efforts must substantially and human health. Science 287:443–449, 2000.
impossible to achieve. improve our ability to detect the presence Goodman RA, Hawkins EC, Olby NJ, et al: Molecular
identification of Ehrlichia ewingii infection in dogs:
Geographic variation in the prevalence of tick-transmitted pathogens in our 15 cases (1997–2001). JAVMA 222:1102–1107, 2003.
of tick-transmitted pathogens also presents patients. For several tick-transmitted Kidd L, Breitschwerdt EB: Transmission times and
an important challenge for veterinary diseases, there is a serious need for better prevention of tick-borne diseases in dogs. Compend
Contin Educ Pract Vet 25:742–750, 2003.
clinicians. It has become increasingly treatment modalities. The currently Kordick SK, Breitschwerdt EB, Hegarty BC, et al:
obvious that ticks in different geographic available treatments for diseases such Coinfection with multiple tick-borne pathogens in a
Walker Hound kennel in North Carolina. J Clin
regions or localities can transmit as babesiosis, bartonellosis, ehrlichiosis, Microbiol 37:2631–2638, 1999.
different pathogens. For example, in and borreliosis may only induce a state Lappin MR, Breitschwerdt EB, Jensen WA, et al:
the northeastern United States, Ixodes of remission, rather than eliciting a Molecular and serologic evidence of Anaplasma
phagocytophilum infection in cats in North America.
scapularis can transmit Anaplasma therapeutic cure. Because the diagnosis JAVMA 225(6):893–896, 2004.
phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and treatment of these diseases will Mylonakis ME, Koutinas AF, Breitschwerdt EB, et al:
Babesia microti, and Bartonella vinsonii remain challenging for the clinician and Chronic canine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): A
retrospective study of 19 natural cases. JAAHA
(arupensis). In the southeastern United expensive for the client, development 40:174–184, 2004.
States, dogs are more frequently exposed of a “tick vaccine” that would prevent Tuttle AD, Birkenheuer AJ, Juopperi T, et al: Concurrent
to Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma transmission of all or most tickborne bartonellosis and babesiosis in a dog with persistent
thrombocytopenia. JAVMA 233:1306–1310, 2003.
americanum, and Rumex sanguineus, pathogens would seem to have great Weinkle TK, Center SA, Randolph JF, et al: Evaluation
which could result in infection with medical utility. In the interim, the use of of prognostic factors, survival rates, and treatment
protocols for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in
Anaplasma platys, B. canis, Bartonella products that kill ticks before or shortly dogs: 151 cases (1993–2000). JAVMA 226:1869–
vinsonii (berkhoffii), E. canis, E. ewingii, after attachment to the pet will minimize 1880, 2005.
6 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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7. Albert Ahn, DVM, is Vice President of Corporate Communications
and Veterinary Operations at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
ASK TH E VET
Q A client of mine mentioned that she saw
something on the news regarding the
discontinuation of the Hartz Advanced
Q What is the dose of grapes and raisins
that can cause poisoning in dogs?
Care Flea and Tick drops for cats. Could
you explain what is going on with this
situation?
A According to current information,1 the lowest
documented toxic grape and raisin doses are 0.7
oz/kg and 0.11 oz/kg, respectively. The mechanism of
action and toxic principal are unknown at this
A Hartz has decided to voluntarily discontinue sales of
our Hartz® ADVANCED CARE® 4 in 1® Flea and Tick
Drops Plus+ for Cats and Hartz® ADVANCED CARE®
time but are currently being studied. Reported
histopathologic lesions seen with raisin and/or
grape poisoning include proximal renal tubular
degeneration and necrosis.
3 in 1® Flea and Tick Drops for Cats as of March 31,
2006. In addition, Hartz has implemented label
changes to these products this summer. REFERENCE
1. Gwaltney-Brant S, Holding JK, Donaldson CW, et al: Renal failure
associated with ingestion of grapes or raisins in dogs [letter]. JAVMA
218(10):1555–1556, 2001.
This move is being made following discussions
with the Environmental Protection Agency, which
regulates topical insecticides. Those discussions were
prompted by concerns over the number of adverse
reactions that have been reported by cat owners. If
you or your clients have any questions about this
situation, please contact the Hartz Consumer
Relations Department at 800-275-1414. Please be
assured that Hartz will offer you any support needed
to address customer concerns.
Articles found in the Hartz Companion Animal SM newsletter can be copied and distributed to your colleagues, staff, and clients.
Additional newsletters may also be obtained by contacting us at feedback@hartz.com or by phone at 800-275-1414.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
• Have questions or comments? Call our Consumer Relations Department at 800-275-1414 and ask to speak to a Hartz staff
veterinarian or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
• To obtain a Hartz Veterinary Catalog of products, please call 800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • AUGUST 2005 • VOL. 3, NO. 3 7

8. For more than 10 years, the American
These Pals are Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has
helped thousands of animals in emergency
situations, like earthquakes, hurricanes, fires,
Life Savers!
life savers
Savers floods and even terrorist attacks.
In honor of their dedicated service, Hartz® is
pleased to announce the new Vet PalsTM plush
toy line. Hartz® Vet PalsTM tell the stories of
animals helped during times of emergency.
But that’s not all. For each Hartz® Vet Pal™
™
sold, Hartz® donates a portion of the proceeds
VETPALS to the AVMF to help in future aid efforts.
We need your help. Offer Hartz® Vet PalsTM
Plush pet toys designed to make a difference! to your clients, and together we can make a
difference in the lives of so many more animals.
Together, we can save lives.
To order,
visit www.
Vetpals.org
or call
1-888-281-6400.
only
$ 30 00
for the
entire 6 piece
collection
R
American Veterinary Medical Foundation AD-347
Veterinary Learning Systems
780 Township Line Road
PRESORTED STANDARD
Yardley, PA 19067
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BENSALEM, PA
PERMIT #118
401303