Canine Tick Fever

Canine tick fever can be deadly.

Canine tick fever is also known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Rodents, raccoons and fox are known to carry the agent that may cause tick fever.

Identification

Tick fever is caused by the Rickettsia rickettsii organism. This is transmitted to different animals through the bite of the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain spotted fever tick.

Symptoms

In the acute stage of canine tick fever, the dog may experience symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, pain in the muscles, pain in the joints, loss of appetite, fever, depression, and swelling of the face and legs. In severe cases, dogs may develop pneumonia or heart arrhythmias, often leading to sudden death.

Diagnosis

Tick fever is diagnosed by blood tests. Two tests must be performed two weeks apart. By comparing these blood tests, the veterinarian will be able to detect a rise in the dog's antibodies. This rise in antibodies indicates the presence of tick fever.

Treatment

Antibiotics are often prescribed in the treatment of canine tick fever. Some of the antibiotics used are tetracycline or doxycycline. Dogs that are treated within the first few days of infection usually make a full recovery. If undetected, canine tick fever can cause death or may cause permanent damage to the nervous system.

Prevention/Solution

The best way to prevent canine tick fever is by preventing tick bites. Treating the dog with products that contain the ingredient permethrin are often effective in preventing tick fever.

References

• Pet Education
• Puppy Training Solutions