Ehrlichiosis [air-leek-ee-OH-sis] is a tickborne disease, particularly affecting dogs in Southeastern and Southwestern states.

Rickettsial organisms — a genus of bacteria — spread the disease. The most common carrier is the brown dog tick, but other tick species can also be carriers.

Most dogs are diagnosed in the acute stage of disease, when they may have a fever, swollen lymph nodes, bleeding disorders or neurologic signs. From there, they may clear the infection or progress to a relatively symptom-free stage. The final stage, chronic ehrlichiosis, is associated with a wide range of serious clinical signs.

Prevention of ehrlichiosis is much easier than treatment. That’s why canine tick preventatives are crucial year-round.