Saving Patients With Tick Bite Fever
Every year, come springtime, it’s not just the flowers that come out. There are also some creepy crawlies hiding in the bright colours. No one likes them. Ticks. Yuck. And the wetter the winter and spring, the more there are. And we all know how wet this year has been!
Ticks love hiding in long grass but can also be found in bushes and shrubs. If you take your dog walking anywhere un-mowed, always check them afterwards for ticks. And you might think you are safe if you only walk your dogs in the suburbs, but that is not necessarily true. Two years ago, two dogs came into Pinelands Village Veterinary Clinic presenting with symptoms of biliary (tick bite fever). They had only been walked along the canal in Pinelands. By the time they arrived at PVVC (after visiting another vet), one dog was already jaundiced (yellow). Both dogs needed blood transfusions urgently. Step up dogs Clarence and Spencer! Belonging to Doctors Heather and Bronwyn, these heroes saved the day, and the dogs by donating their blood. Both patients spent a couple of days in the practice hospital, making a full recovery!
Tick-Borne Diseases
The incubation period for biliary from being bitten to symptoms presenting is normally about two weeks, but sometimes it can happen much quicker. Signs to watch out for include not eating, lethargy, pale gums and if it gets worse, jaundice (yellowing eyes and gums).
Another tick-borne disease is Ehrlichia, which can remain dormant for months, or even years before manifesting. This can present with a variety of symptoms, including general malaise (feeling unwell, “not being themselves”), pale gums, fever and not eating. More severe symptoms include bleeding from the nose, sore joints and swollen limbs.
Even though both biliary and Ehrlichia are treatable, there can be severe complications that are not always curable. So, check your dogs regularly for ticks and if you do find them on your pooches, keep an eye out for any of these signs and symptoms.
Treatments For Ticks
As always, prevention is better than cure. There are many products available to keep ticks (and fleas) off your fur kids. There are topical applications that absorb through the skin. There are edible tablets and collars. Each product has a different active ingredient that kills the ticks and fleas, and each lasts for a different period of time from one month up to eight. Speak to our doctors to get the best product for your dogs (and cats).
Dog Heroes Needed!
In severe cases of biliary, blood transfusions are necessary to treat the patients. If you’d like to volunteer your dog to be a blood donor, please contact the clinic and we’ll put you on a donor list to contact if needed. Your dog needs to be over 25kg, not be on chronic medication and be healthy.
Clareance (left), Spencer (right), two of our hero blood donors!