The mechanism by which ehrlichias survive and multiply in the infected cells likely relies on their ability to inhibit phagosome-lysosome fusion. Doxycycline was previously shown to restore phagosome-lysosome fusion in cells infected with E. risticii and E. sennetsu. Imidocarb dipropionate (5 mg/kg, 1 or 2 injections at 14 day interval, IM) may be used in conjunction with doxycycline. Although previous studies have shown the in vivo efficacy of imidocarb in the treatment of, a recent in vitro study has indicated that it may not be effective. An additional advantage of treatment of dogs with imidocarb lies in the elimination of other tick-borne diseases, such as babesiosis, which may be concurrent with CME.