Hepatozoonosis

What is canine hepatozoonosis [hep-toe-zoo-no-sis}?

Canine hepatozoonosis infection comes in two forms. Hepatozoon americanum is transmitted by the Gulf Coast tick, and Hepatozoon canis is transmitted by the brown dog tick. Unlike other vector-borne diseases that are transmitted by tick bite, both forms of canine hepatozoonosis are transmitted when a dog eats or otherwise ingests an infected tick.

What are the symptoms of Hepatozoon canis?

A dog infected with Hepatozoon canis may show few if any signs, but some of the more common symptoms can include any of the following:

  • Appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

What are the symptoms of Hepatozoon americanum?

Hepatozoon americanum affects muscle cells, resulting in a debilitating and usually fatal condition. A dog infected with Hepatozoon americanum will typically show severe symptoms that occur intermittently. These can include any of the following:

  • Depression
  • Generalized pain
  • Loss of muscle mass with chronic weight loss
  • Discharge from the eyes

Where is canine hepatozoonosis found?

Cases of canine hepatozoonosis have been reported in the eastern and middle-southern reigons of the United States.