Tick fever is one of the most common reasons Indian dogs end up on a drip, and it peaks during and after the monsoon. It is treatable, often fully, when it is caught early. This guide covers the signs to watch, what the blood tests mean, what treatment involves and costs, and how to stop it happening again.
"Tick fever" is not one disease. It is the everyday name in India for several infections carried by ticks, mostly the brown dog tick, which thrives in warm, humid weather and lives happily indoors.
| Infection | Caused by | What it mainly attacks |
|---|---|---|
| Ehrlichiosis | Ehrlichia canis, a bacterium | White blood cells and platelets. Can turn chronic if missed. |
| Babesiosis | Babesia, a blood parasite | Red blood cells, causing anaemia |
| Anaplasmosis and hepatozoonosis | Other tick-borne organisms | Less common; sometimes found alongside the two above |
A dog can carry more than one at once, which is why testing matters more than guessing.
Early signs, often in the first one to three weeks after a tick bite:
Serious signs that need a vet the same day:
Our guide to pet emergency warning signs explains how to check gum colour properly.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Platelets, red cells and white cells. Low platelets are the classic tick fever finding. |
| Blood smear | A vet or lab looks for Babesia and other organisms under a microscope. Quick and cheap, but it can miss infections. |
| Rapid antibody test | Detects exposure to Ehrlichia and other tick-borne infections in minutes |
| PCR test | Detects the organism's genetic material. More precise, slower, and sent to a lab. |
| Liver and kidney tests | Check whether organs are affected, which changes treatment |
Your vet will usually repeat the blood count during treatment. Rising platelets are the clearest sign it is working.
The common mistake is stopping medicine early because the dog is eating again. Ehrlichiosis that is not fully cleared can return months later in a chronic form that is much harder to treat.
| Item | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Consultation | ₹200 to ₹1,000 |
| Complete blood count | ₹500 to ₹1,200 |
| Rapid tick-borne disease test | ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 |
| PCR panel | ₹2,000 to ₹4,500 |
| Medicines for an uncomplicated case | ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 |
| Hospitalisation, per day | ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 |
An uncomplicated case caught early usually lands between ₹3,000 and ₹10,000 all in. A dog that needs admission and a transfusion can cost several times that. See the vet cost guide for how these line items compare across clinics.
The monsoon pet care guide covers the seasonal routine in more detail.
Fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, sometimes with swollen lymph nodes, usually one to three weeks after a tick bite. Pale gums, dark urine, nose bleeds or red spots on the skin are serious signs that need a vet the same day.
Yes, in most cases, when it is diagnosed early and the full course of treatment is finished. Ehrlichiosis that is only partly treated can come back months later in a chronic form, so do not stop medicine early.
Roughly 150,000 to 500,000 per microlitre, depending on the lab. Tick fever often pushes it well below that. Your vet will interpret the number alongside how your dog is doing and will usually repeat the test during treatment.
An uncomplicated case caught early usually costs ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 including tests and medicine. Hospitalisation at ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 a day, or a blood transfusion, can raise the total considerably.
Tick fever ek bimari hai jo kutte ko chichdi, yaani tick, ke kaatne se hoti hai. Isme bukhar, susti aur khana na khana jaise lakshan dikhte hain. Masoodon ka safed hona, gehra peshaab ya naak se khoon aaye toh usi din vet ko dikhayein.
Halka aur aasani se pachne wala khana thoda thoda karke dein, jaise ubla chicken ya anda chawal ke saath, aur paani hamesha paas rakhein. Masaledar ghar ka khana, pyaaz aur lehsun bilkul na dein. Papita patte ka ras dene se pehle vet se poochein.
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