It’s common knowledge that ticks are trouble, but why? There are more tick-borne illnesses than most people know about.
Most dog owners know that ticks are trouble—but why? The main reason is due to tick-borne illnesses that can take hold, some of which can cause serious health issues in the dogs they infect. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs of something being wrong and seek veterinary help if you suspect your pup may be the victim of a tick-borne illness.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is what many people think of when they think about tick-borne illness. The reason for this is simply due to how common Lyme disease is. According to the AKC, “Over 95% of cases are from the Northeast, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific Coast…”
Symptoms, especially early symptoms, are often generic, and the disease may be difficult to diagnose in some cases. Symptoms may include:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Stiffness/Discomfort
- Lameness
- Swollen joints
Lyme disease that has time to progress can lead to kidney failure, as well as serious cardiac and neurological issues. Antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease, and symptoms will usually clear up fairly quickly, though sometimes a longer course is needed.
While Lyme disease can affect humans, it cannot be transmitted to you from your dog. It also cannot be transmitted from one dog to another. However, if your dog has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, you and possibly your other dog(s) have also likely been exposed to infected ticks in the same area where one dog picked them up. It is never a bad idea to get yourself and any other dogs tested to be safe.
Ehrlichiosis
While ehrlichiosis is not as well-known as the dreaded Lyme disease, it is also very widespread across the U.S. It has three phases: acute, subclinical, and chronic.
The acute phase has symptoms similar to Lyme disease:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Stiffness/Discomfort
- Lameness
Ehrlichiosis is difficult to diagnose early on because antibodies do not show up in testing during the first couple of weeks, according to the AKC. These symptoms may clear up after a few weeks, but without treatment, the dog will enter the subclinical phase. They may be asymptomatic during this phase, but they will still be carrying the disease—sometimes for years.
This disease continues to be tricky to diagnose even in the chronic phase due to generalized symptoms. “These can range from uveitis (eye inflammation), to bleeding, to localized edema (swelling because of fluid buildup), to severe bone marrow pathology, to kidney, liver or lung injury,” according to Dr. Breitschwerd, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The good news is that ehrlichiosis is effectively treated with antibiotics, so a successful diagnosis can lead to successful treatment.
Also similar to Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis can infect humans. However, your dog cannot transmit it to you or to other dogs. Remember to get yourself and other dogs tested because you were also likely exposed to infected ticks.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
If you’re reading this and thinking you don’t need to worry about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever because you don’t live anywhere near the Rocky Mountains, well… I have bad news. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever has been reported in all 48 continental U.S. states. According to the AKC, “The American dog tick is the primary RMSF (carrier) and ranges in location throughout the entire eastern half of the United States, plus most of California.” The AKC also notes, “Despite its name, fewer than 5% of cases come from the Rocky Mountain region.”
Symptoms are similar to other tick-borne diseases with a few unique additions:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Rash
- Eye lesions
- Crusty eyes
- Clear nasal discharge
- Excessive salivating
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool
A round of antibiotics is often given even before Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is confirmed through testing if it is suspected due to how important it is for fast treatment. Treatment that is started quickly and is not stopped early will often result in a fast improvement and full recovery.
Remember Your Preventative!
To prevent tick-borne illnesses, it is important to always remember your preventatives. These should be given year-round to avoid a lapse in coverage, even during the colder months. It’s also a good idea to check your pup for ticks every day, but be especially vigilant after you’ve gone out to an area with tall grass or a nearby marsh. Remove any ticks you find straight away—one of the easiest methods is by plucking them with tweezers. Do not remove ticks with your bare hands. Humans can be infected by some tick-borne illnesses, so don’t put yourself at risk. Fine-point tweezers are the best course of action.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.