Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease that can persist as a chronic subclinical infection, causing insidious bone marrow suppression and immunosuppression that affects long-term welfare.
The chronic phase of ehrlichiosis creates a particularly insidious welfare problem: dogs may appear outwardly normal while experiencing progressive bone marrow suppression that eventually causes bleeding, immunosuppression, and susceptibility to secondary infections. Dogs in endemic regions who are not on tick prevention and have not been tested represent a hidden welfare burden. Annual testing in endemic areas and prompt treatment of acute disease prevent the chronic phase entirely. Dogs with established chronic disease require prolonged treatment and careful monitoring for complications.