Tick fever, also known as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is a serious condition that can affect dogs. It is caused by the
Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria, which is primarily spread through the bite of an infected American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, or brown dog tick. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tick fever in dogs.
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Tick Fever in Dog
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Symptoms of Tick Fever in Dog
The symptoms of tick fever in dogs are somewhat vague and extremely varied in nature, making a diagnosis of tick fever challenging in some cases. Once your dog is infected by the bacteria, it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to begin to show. Some of the most common symptoms of tick fever in dogs include:
- Fever up to 105°F (40.5°C)
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Inflammation of joints
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Facial or limb swelling
- Coughing
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal pain
In more severe cases, dogs may exhibit round, purplish-red spots inside of the eyelids and mouth caused by bleeding below the surface. About 30% of dogs will experience central nervous system symptoms such as altered mental states, impaired balance, and painful spinal sensitivity. Pet parents should always take symptoms of tick fever seriously. Up to 10% of dogs suffering from tick fever die from the condition. If your dog is showing any of the signs of tick fever listed above, book a veterinary examination for your dog right away.
Diagnosing Tick Fever
When diagnosing tick fever in dogs, your vet will examine your pup for signs of the symptoms listed above and may recommend diagnostic testing such as blood tests, urinalysis, and x-rays. Blood test results that point to tick fever include low platelet count, anaemia, and abnormal white blood cell counts. Other diagnostic tests can be useful in detecting low protein levels, abnormal calcium levels, electrolyte abnormalities, and abnormal liver or kidney values, which point towards a diagnosis of tick fever.
Tick Fever Treatment in Dogs
If your vet believes that your pup has tick fever, they may prescribe a round of antibiotics even before test results have come back. This is because any delay in treatment could cause symptoms to become increasingly severe and possibly even fatal. Most dogs respond to antibiotic treatment within 24 to 48 hours, although dogs with severe cases of the disease may not respond at all to treatment.
The most common antibiotics used to treat tick fever in dogs include tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. In some cases, your vet may also recommend a blood transfusion to treat anaemia or other supportive therapies.
Prognosis for Dogs with Tick Fever
Dogs diagnosed and treated early for tick fever generally recover well, with few complications. In some cases, lifelong immunity will occur after the infection has been cleared. Unfortunately, dogs with more advanced cases of tick fever are at higher risk for complications of the disease such as kidney disease, neurological disease, vasculitis, and coagulopathies. In these cases, the prognosis is guarded since complications can be severe.
Preventing Tick Fever in Dog
Preventing tick fever primarily comes down to controlling ticks and your dog's contact with ticks. Year-round preventive medications from your vet can help to kill ticks that begin feeding on your pooch. Taking the time to examine your dog for ticks each time you return home from a walk can help to prevent the transmission of the bacteria to your pet. Any ticks found on your pet should be swiftly and properly removed using tweezers to grasp the tick gently right where it enters your dog's skin, and then pulling it straight out. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the tick's mouthparts to remain in your dog's skin and increase the risk of infection.
Other ways to prevent tick fever in dogs include keeping your yard and surroundings clean and tidy, as ticks thrive in tall grass and brush. Regular grooming, especially in long-haired breeds, can also help to detect and remove any ticks before they have a chance to transmit the disease.
Final Thoughts
Tick fever in dogs can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and take preventive measures to protect your dog from tick bites. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek veterinary care immediately. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most dogs can make a full recovery and lead a happy, healthy life.
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