What is tularemia?
Tularemia is a bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis and is often referred to as rabbit fever. Tularemia is most commonly found in rabbits and rodents, and it survives by creating tumor-like masses and abscesses in the victim animal's liver. This disease is not seen at all in the United Kingdom, Africa, South America, or Australia. In North America, tularemia cases are scattered around the continent; it is uncommon in Canada, but cases have been reported. It is most commonly seen in the late spring and summer.
Tularemia is an uncommon infection in dogs, but dogs can be exposed through insect bites or if they kill or eat an infected rabbit or rodent.
How is tularemia transmitted?
Infection with Francisella tularensis can occur in several ways:
- Ingestion of the tissues or body fluids of an infected animal. After an animal ingests the infected tissues, the lymph nodes in their head, neck, and gastrointestinal system collect the bacteria. Systemic infection follows.
- Drinking contaminated water.
- Getting bitten by certain blood-sucking insects and arachnids that can transmit tularemia, including ticks, midges, fleas, and mosquitoes.
Once the bacteria are in the lymph system, the organism can be found in the lungs, liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
What are the signs of tularemia infection in dogs?
Tularemia is a rare infection in dogs and dogs are known to be less susceptible to this illness than other species. Tularemia is often self-limiting, although some dogs experience short periods of poor appetite, lethargy, and mild fever. Less frequently, dogs may show conjunctivitis, uveitis (inflammation in their eyes), draining abscesses, and enlarged lymph nodes.
How is tularemia diagnosed?
To diagnose tularemia, your veterinarian must rule out other diseases that cause the signs outlined above.
Diagnostic tests typically include a complete blood count (CBC), a blood chemistry panel, and a urinalysis. Testing will reveal a high white blood cell count, low blood sugar, low blood sodium, and a high blood level of bilirubin. There may also be blood in the urine.
Blood tests done 2-4 weeks apart may demonstrate an increase in tularemia antibodies, indicating infection. DNA testing (called PCR) may also identify tularemia in blood or tissue samples.
Can tularemia be treated?
Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics. Dogs may require hospitalization with supportive care (intravenous fluid therapy). Draining abscesses should be surgically removed.
Can I catch tularemia?
Tularemia has a high zoonotic potential, meaning it can infect humans. Humans can become exposed from tick bites and drinking contaminated water; however, bites or scratches can also be a source of exposure. The bacteria create a blister in the skin 3-5 days after contact. The blister ulcerates 2- 4 days later, then the bacteria enter the lymph system, spreading to the rest of the body.
When hospitalized, dogs with tularemia are isolated, and the veterinary team will wear protective gear during treatments. Tularemia is a reportable disease, meaning it is of such public health importance that doctors and veterinarians are required to report diagnosis of the disease to their public health authority.
