As the summer weather warms up, you and your dog will probably spend more time outside. The longer you are out, the more likely you will be exposed to ticks. Unfortunately, these tiny parasites are much more than nuisances that feed off your and your dog's blood. Their bite can spread deadly diseases to you and your pet. Learn about a few tick-borne conditions your pet may contract through as little as one bite.
One of the most well-known tick-borne diseases is Lyme Disease. Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, it is usually carried and transmitted through the bite of either a black-legged or a deer tick.
If your dog contracts Lyme disease, they may or may not show symptoms. If they exhibit symptoms, you may see the following:
Lyme disease can lead to kidney failure, damaged joints, and other complications if not identified and treated. Fortunately, diagnosis is easy with a simple blood test such as the Lyme Multiplex assay in your vet's office. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian can usually successfully treat the condition with antibiotics.
Lyme disease may be something your pet can avoid. Vaccines are available on the market to help prevent it. Consider vaccinating your pet.
One of the most common tick-borne dog diseases is Ehrlichiosis. The bacteria Ehrlichia, most commonly carried by a brown dog tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, or lone star tick, causes this condition. There are several types of Ehrlichia, but the species most commonly seen are Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii.
If your dog contracts Ehrlichiosis, it may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lameness
- Reluctance to walk
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from their mouth or nose
Ehrlichiosis can be severe because it invades your dog's monocytes, or the cells of their immune system, and affects the platelets necessary for proper blood clotting.
If not quickly diagnosed, your pet may also experience:
- Low platelet counts
- Kidney failure
- Blindness
- Partial paralysis
- Enlarged spleen
- Weight loss
- Shifting lameness
Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition with a complete blood count, a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, or other serology tests. Once diagnosed, your vet can treat Ehrlichiosis with antibiotics if caught early. Because of this severity, the disease can often require extended treatments.
3. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another tick-borne disease that can affect you and your pet in Florida. The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii carried by the brown deer tick, American dog tick, or the Rocky Mountain wood tick most commonly causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
If your dog contracts Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, it may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Lameness
- Swollen joints
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Bruising
- Coughing or vomiting
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is easily detectable by your veterinarian utilizing a complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and a urinalysis. The doctor may order additional testing to test for antibodies to the bacteria that cause the condition.
Once it is diagnosed, your vet can treat this condition with early antibiotic treatment. Many tick-borne dog diseases exhibit many of the same signs and symptoms. A tick PCR panel may be beneficial to differentiate between the different conditions.
At Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach, we can diagnose and treat any tick-borne disease your pet may encounter. We can use various diagnostic tools and treatments to ensure your pet quickly feels better. We also provide emergency services if your pets need seeing outside traditional business hours. If you suspect a tick has bitten your dog, give us a call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
