ticks & tick-borne diseases

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.

Symptoms include:

• Stiff walk with an arched back
• ​Sensitivity to touch
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever, lack of appetite, and depression​​​

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• Superficial lymph nodes close to the site of the infecting tick bite may be swollen
• Heart abnormalities are reported, but rare
• Nervous system complications (rare)

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.

Symptoms include:

• Anemia
• Fever
• Depression​

• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain and stiffness​​

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.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Muscle and joint pain
• ​Swollen lymph nodes​

• Fluid accumulation in the face and legs (edemas)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or seizures