What is the primary treatment for Canine Ehrlichiosis?

The primary treatment for Canine Ehrlichiosis is doxycycline, which is a tetracycline antibiotic known for its effectiveness against various types of intracellular bacteria, including Ehrlichia species. Canine Ehrlichiosis is primarily caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis, which infects the white blood cells of dogs, leading to various clinical signs and potentially severe health issues if left untreated.

Doxycycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in the bacteria, effectively stopping their growth and allowing the dog's immune system to eliminate the infection. The treatment duration typically lasts for several weeks, during which the clinical status of the dog is monitored, and follow-up evaluations are performed to ensure the resolution of the infection.

Other antibiotics such as cephalexin and amoxicillin do not have the same level of effectiveness against this specific infection because they do not adequately penetrate the cells where the bacteria reside. Phenobarbital, on the other hand, is an anticonvulsant medication that is not related to the treatment of bacterial infections. Therefore, doxycycline stands out as the most appropriate therapy for Canine Ehrlichiosis due to its mechanism of action and effectiveness against the pathogens involved in the disease.