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My dog tested positive for Ehrlichia. Is calmness a symptom? Does he need antibiotics?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

I fell in love with a very calm and mellow dog at the shelter. He's a one year 2 mo old GSP/hound mix who's been in the shelter for 2 months. The shelter told me he's tested Positive for Ehrlichia but since his blood count was normal, the dog was not treated. When I saw the dog I did not recognize other symptoms other than calmness which may be behavioral since he's a stray and been in a shelter for 2 months. But could it be a symptom of the disease? Should the shelter provide antibiotics?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 21st, 2017

Hi there. Thanks for rescuing Fallon from the shelter. I would not treat him for Ehrlichia unless he was showing symptoms. Did he have the PCR test or the antibody test? I can tell you that many, many, many dogs test positive but we do not treat unless they have the clinical signs. This is because a positive test only indicates exposure and not clinical disease. Lethargy or "calmness" is not really considered a symptom. He would have to be showing more than that such as: 1. inappetence 2. enlarged lymph nodes 3. decreased platelet count on bloodwork 4. elevated globulin count on bloodwork 5. fever Here is a link to an article about Ehrlichia that may answer more of your questions. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=2103 If you still have more questions after reading that you are welcome to post again. Best wishes!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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