What test is used to check for exposure to Ehrlichia in dogs?

The appropriate method for checking for exposure to Ehrlichia in dogs is through serology testing for antibodies. This test specifically measures the presence of antibodies in the dog’s blood that are produced in response to the Ehrlichia bacteria. When an animal is exposed to this pathogen, its immune system activates and generates antibodies, which can then be detected through serological assays.

Serology is particularly useful in diagnosing infections like Ehrlichiosis because it can reveal recent or past exposure to the bacteria, even if the dog is not currently exhibiting symptoms. This process helps veterinarians assess the overall health status of the animal and decide on further treatment or preventive measures.

Other tests listed serve different purposes. Blood culture is used to identify live bacteria in the blood, a method not typically effective for diagnosing Ehrlichia because the bacteria are often intracellular and difficult to culture. A complete blood count can provide ancillary information regarding the overall health and immune status of the dog, but it does not directly test for the specific antibodies to Ehrlichia. Skin scraping is primarily used to identify skin parasites or skin diseases, making it irrelevant to the diagnosis of an infection by Ehrlichia.