Equine Anaplasmosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Tick-borne fever shows up fast—high temp, stocking-up legs, and a horse that just won’t move right. Here’s how to spot it early, work with your vet on treatment, and shut down ticks around your barn.
What It Is & How Infection Happens
Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (EGA) is a tick-borne disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Ixodes ticks (the same genus involved in Lyme transmission) pass the bacterium during blood meals. Wildlife reservoirs maintain the organism in endemic regions.
Clinical Signs & Red Flags
- High fever, lethargy, off feed
- Limb edema (stocking-up), stiffness, reluctance to move or ataxia
- Occasional petechiae, anemia or jaundice
- Complications if untreated: secondary infections, laminitis
Immediate Action Fever + stocking-up + tick exposure? Call your veterinarian—early tetracycline therapy changes outcomes.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How Vets Confirm EGA
- CBC: often thrombocytopenia ± leukopenia
- PCR on whole blood (high sensitivity)
- Blood smear: neutrophil morulae can be seen early
Treatment Priorities
- Oxytetracycline IV (commonly) under veterinary supervision; oral doxycycline may follow
- Supportive care: anti-inflammatories, fluids/electrolytes, rest, laminitis prevention when indicated
- Quiet housing; monitor temp, appetite, hydration, feet
Timeline Many horses improve within 24–48 hours of appropriate therapy. Don’t delay the call.
Prognosis & Recovery
- Good with prompt, appropriate antibiotics
- Recheck CBC to ensure platelets/white cells normalize
- Return to work gradually once cleared by your veterinarian
Tick-Prevention & Barn Hygiene
Barn & Pasture Moves
- Daily grooming—check mane crest, tailhead, sheath/udder, chest, ears
- Trim brush and fence lines; manage leaf litter and tall grass near turnout
- Rotate and rest pastures; keep feed/tack zones clean
Add Citraquin® + Clean Surfaces
- Citraquin® 32oz and the Citraquin® collection—see the How-To Guide
- Wash down walls, doors, and trailers with SuperClean™ Stall & Trailer Cleaner
Repellents and cleaners don’t replace veterinary care—they lower nuisance pressure while you manage habitat and routine checks.
Recovery Support (Real-World Use)
Hydration & Comfort
Hydro-Lyte® — sugar-free electrolytes to support hydration during fever and recovery.
Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel — sensation-free support for muscle comfort; explore all liniments (including Concentrate options) to fit your routine.
Skin Support
- Rapid Relief Restorative Cream — thin, water-resistant barrier for intact, healed skin around rub-prone areas (use when your vet approves topical coverage).
EGA — FAQ
How quickly do horses improve once treated?
Often within 24–48 hours of starting tetracyclines. Keep monitoring temperature, appetite, and limb swelling; follow your vet’s full course.
Do I need to isolate a horse with EGA?
Direct spread isn’t expected, but maintain good biosecurity and control ticks for all horses on the property.
When can I return to work?
After clinical signs resolve and your veterinarian clears it. Ramp up gradually to avoid setbacks.
Educational note: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance for testing, antibiotics, hydration/electrolytes, and return-to-work plans.
