Tick Borne Diseases (2)

In my previous entry, I mentioned four major zoonotic diseases that can be spread from animal to man with the tick as the vector. These diseases are: ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia and Lyme disease. In this entry I want to discuss Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted to animals by the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain spotted fever tick. These ticks are most prevalent in the east coast, midwest and plains regions. Ticks become infected by feeding on an animal already infected with the disease causing organism (Rickettsia) and when these ticks become attached to a non-infected pet and feed, the disease is passed into that animal. Humans cannot get Rocky Mountain spotted fever directly from their pet. However, if the pet develops the disease a tick can feed on and then pass the disease from the pet to the human if the human gets a tick bite.

Symptoms that can occur that may be indicative of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include: loss of appetite, fever, depression, pain in muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes, and edema of the face and legs. Some animals will have vomiting and diarrhea. Some animals will have dizziness, seizures and depression. If Rocky Mountain spotted fever is suspected, the pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Blood tests can be used to measure antibody levels and are usually given twice, two weeks apart to measure any increase. In addition, a skin test to measure antigens can be performed as well. Symptoms that can occur in huymans include: rash, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, nausea, abdominal pain and swollen lymph nodes.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is treated using antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline and enrofloxacin (Baytril).

Tick season usually extends from April to September and that is the period of time where the incidence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is highest. For the health of your pet, the pharmacy staff at 1-800-PetMeds recommends applying a monthly flea and tick preventative. However, since ticks can survive indoors, even in the winter, it is also recommended that these products are used year round.

For further information on tick borne disease visit the Tick FAQ's site on PetHealth101.