Signs of Tick Fever in Dogs
Tick fever, or tracker dog disease, is the most common name for the disease erhlichiosis. It is the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) that carries the bacteria responsible for tick fever. Humans can also get tick fever in the same way dogs do--by getting bitten from a brown dog tick. Humans can't catch tick fever from an infected dog.
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Initial Symptoms
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According to Sunrise Pet Clinic, the first phase of tick fever (also called the acute stage) brings about fever, trouble breathing, noticeably swollen lymph glands, a loss of energy and a lack of appetite. The dog may get bleeding problems such as sudden nosebleeds or blood in the stool. Sunrise Pet Clinic also notes that sometimes a dog with tick fever will also have coordination problems.
Subclinical Symptoms
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This phase only happens if the dog is developing the chronic form of tick fever. Unfortunately, there are absolutely no symptoms to this part of chronic tick fever. The only way to tell that the dog is still infected is to do blood tests to see if the bacteria are lingering in the dog's bloodstream. It is possible for a dog to be cured during the acute phase.
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Chronic Symptoms
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The signs are similar to the initial symptoms, but come on far more severely. Instead of a small nosebleed, the dog will hemorrhage out of the nose or eyes. There is also danger that the kidneys or the bowels may hemorrhage as well. The dog won't just lack energy, but will not want to move. The dog will often be lame, may have swollen legs and will have noticeable coordination problems.
Time Frame
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According to veterinarian James W. Way, the acute phase can happen anywhere from eight to 20 days after the tick has bitten the dog. The subclinical phase can last as little as two weeks, but may last for years if the dog develops the chronic type of tick fever. The dog can die in a matter of days when chronic symptoms start. Treatment, which may include blood transfusions, must be done immediately.
Prevention
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The only way to prevent these signs of tick fever from happening to a dog is to make sure that the dog does not get bitten by brown dog ticks. This is accomplished by using flea products that will also repel or kill adult ticks. Veterinarians recommend checking a dog any time it has romped in the woods or high grass to be sure that ticks aren't on the coat or body.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit the dog image by hupper from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I left my Westie with family in the caribbean because I had to return to the US for an extended period of time. I gave a six month supply of Advantage to control both ticks and fleas. Six weeks later I was told my dog died from tick fever. Actually he was put to sleep as a result of tick fever. My family said they could not rid the environment of the infestation and I cannot understand why the medication did not work.
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BE CAREFUL
