A simple blood test (called a 4dx) can be done in clicnic to determine if your dog may be suffering from a tick-borne illness. If you suspect your pup may have any of the diseases listed below, call and make an appointment with us as soon as possible. Lyme Disease | one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world but only causes symptoms in 5-10% of affected dogs. It is caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group.
Ehrlichia | transmitted by ticks including the Brown Dog Tick. Ehrlichiosis can have three phases. Signs of the acute phase of the disease usually develop 1-3 weeks after the bite of the infected tick. The acute phase of the disease generally lasts 2-4 weeks. The Ehrlichia enter white blood cells and reproduce inside of them. In addition to the blood, these cells are found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Rocky Mountain Fever | affects dogs and humans and is transmitted from the bite of the American dog tick Through blood tests, it has been demonstrated that cats may also become infected, but the disease in cats is minimal. Various rodents, raccoons, and fox may carry the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Heartworms are roundworms that spread to your animals via mosquitoes. They are found in all 50 states and can live anywhere between 5 and 7 years inside your pet. The best way to protect your dogs and cats against heartworms is to provide them with year-round prevention. Symptoms are not usually evident until it is too late and heartworms work fast. They do not go away without treatment and though they can be tested for in dogs, they can not be tested for in cats so prevention is much more important.
Heartworm Prevention:
More information on heartworms can be found here.
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