What are the common causes of tularemia in dogs and cats?

Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is typically contracted through tick bites, contact with infected animals (such as rabbits or rodents), or exposure to contaminated water. Blood tests, cultures, and imaging are used to confirm the diagnosis, and treatment follows your vet's recommendations.

What tests does the vet typically run to confirm tularemia?

Common tests include a complete blood count and biochemistry panel, blood culture or antigen testing for Francisella tularensis, and imaging such as ultrasound or X-ray to evaluate the source of infection and any organ involvement.

My pet seems lethargic or jaundiced — when should I take them to the vet?

Seek emergency care immediately if your pet shows rapidly worsening lethargy, persistent vomiting, or obvious jaundice. For milder but ongoing symptoms such as sluggishness, poor appetite, or abnormal temperature, arrange a clinic visit and consult your vet within 24–72 hours.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Tularemia in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide [2025]

A zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, transmissible through tick bites or contact with infected animals such as rabbits and rodents

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2025/12/16

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistently unresponsive and difficult to rouse, with no ability to move
•Persistent severe vomiting or profuse diarrhea with inability to maintain hydration
•Visible yellowing of the skin or mucous membranes with rapidly deteriorating condition

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably low energy with prolonged lethargy and sluggish responses
•Sudden sharp decline in appetite or refusal to eat for more than one day
•Abnormal body temperature (persistent fever or subnormal temperature)

01What symptoms signal something is wrong?

Tularemia in dogs and cats often presents with systemic signs. Early symptoms can be subtle — monitor your pet's energy levels and elimination habits closely so you can seek veterinary care promptly.

Lethargy, sleeping all day, or reduced responsiveness
Decreased appetite or refusing food, with short-term weight loss
Fever or abnormal body temperature — take and record readings at a consistent time each day
Yellow tinting of skin or mucous membranes (jaundice), changes in urine or stool color
Vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal elimination, accompanied by dehydration or changes in urine output

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Persistent high fever with rapidly worsening lethargy
⚠️ Visible jaundice or noticeably dark urine
⚠️ Frequent vomiting or profuse diarrhea with signs of dehydration

02How do you assess the situation yourself? Home monitoring tips and emergency criteria

Observing and recording key information at home helps your vet quickly understand the progression of illness and speeds up diagnosis.

Note when symptoms started, the order they appeared, and how they have changed over time
Take your pet's temperature at the same time each day and record the reading with a timestamp
Track appetite, water intake, and the frequency and character of urination and bowel movements
Use your phone to capture photos or videos of your pet's demeanor, any vomiting, or abnormal elimination
Keep a sample of vomit or stool for laboratory comparison if possible
If symptoms persist or worsen, arrange a clinic visit or contact your vet as soon as possible

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common diagnostic tests

Once at the clinic, your vet will use a systematic approach to identify the underlying cause, typically combining blood work and imaging.

Physical examination

assessing alertness, mucous membrane color, and body temperature

Blood tests

complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panel to evaluate organ function

Serology or specific antigen testing

detecting Francisella tularensis or other infectious pathogens

Bacterial culture or parasite testing

identifying the causative organism

Imaging (ultrasound or CT)

evaluating organ damage or the source of infection

Tissue or body fluid sampling when needed for pathology or cytology

Choose a clinic with blood testing and imaging capabilities for a thorough evaluation

04What treatment and care follow diagnosis? Medications, diet, and home care guide

After treatment begins, follow your vet's instructions for follow-up testing and provide attentive home care — watch for signs of improvement and any medication side effects.

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for blood and biochemistry monitoring
Administer medications on schedule and watch for side effects — report anything unusual to your vet
Follow any special dietary instructions or prescription food recommendations exactly as directed
Provide a quiet, warm, and clean resting environment for recovery at home
Regular imaging or blood work to assess treatment response and organ recovery
Contact your vet immediately or arrange a visit if symptoms worsen or new problems arise

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet act quickly

Write down when symptoms started, how they have changed day by day, and any possible triggers

Note recent changes in diet, water intake, and elimination habits

Bring photos or a physical sample of any vomit or stool if available

Prepare a list of current medications, supplements, and vaccination records

Share recorded temperature readings and any observation videos with your vet

Book an appointment in advance at a clinic equipped for blood and imaging tests

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.