Tag: ticks

Increase in Lyme disease in U.K.

Abstract

The reported number of cases of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is thought to have increased in the UK over the past decade, but consistent surveillance data are lacking. Here the prevalence of B. burgdorferi in ticks attached to pet dogs was examined – using them as sentinels for human disease risk. Dogs give a good indication of the exposure of their human owners to infected ticks, since they largely share the same environment and visit the same outdoor areas. Continue reading Increase in Lyme disease in U.K.

Dog-associated risk factors for human plague

Gould LH, Pape J, Ettestad P, Griffith KS, Mead PS.
Source
Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, CO, USA. lgould@cdc.gov
Abstract
Plague is a rare but often fatal zoonosis endemic to the western United States. Previous studies have identified contact with pets as a potential risk factor for infection. We conducted a matched case-control study to better define the risks associated with pets at both the household and individual levels. Continue reading Dog-associated risk factors for human plague

New Mexico: plague in Dog confirmed

State health dept. confirms plague case in Rio Rancho dog
Alamogordo Daily News http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_18373276
Daily News Report
Posted: 06/28/2011 10:01:36 PM MDT

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health’s Scientific Laboratory Division confirmed plague this week in a dog in Rio Rancho.

The dog was most likely infected when running in open fields on the north end of the city and encountering sick or dead rabbits and other rodents, health officials said. Continue reading New Mexico: plague in Dog confirmed

Tick-Borne Diseases: An Emerging Threat

Dr. Brian J. Luria
University of Florida
Introduction
Our awareness in human and veterinary medicine that certain insects and arthropods transmit disease has been established for many years. In recent years, our knowledge has increased dramatically, mostly due to advancements in our ability to diagnose these diseases. For a variety of reasons, ticks are appearing in greater numbers than ever. Ticks are a very important cause of debilitating and deadly diseases and conditions in both humans and domestic animals. Almost equal to the disease transmitting potential of ticks, is the fear and concern that arise among many owners and veterinary staff members when a tick is found on a dog or cat.
This discussion will focus on education regarding the diseases that ticks can transmit, how to diagnose and treat them, and how to prevent your dogs from acquiring ticks and the diseases they transmit. Continue reading Tick-Borne Diseases: An Emerging Threat

Tick Paralysis story

Tick Fever…. Something to know if you have dogs

This past Saturday a.m., my 5 year old Tibbie “Tami” was paralyzed in her rear legs when she woke up. They just were collapsed under her. I rushed her to the vet & he was able to get deep pain response from both back feet,
though 1 leg just dangled & showed no reflexes.

She was knuckling over on both rear feet & could not place them flat on the floor. She was alert & without signs of pain. Vet examined her & could find no injuries or sensitive areas & thought it was a back injury & she was put on dexamethezone 2 x daily & crate rest.

There was no improvement Saturday or Sunday and she had peed in her crate & was soaked.  I gave her a quick bath & put fans on her to dry her. Sunday nite she had a little response in her rear legs, but could not walk.

Monday morning she stood & took 2 steps before her rear legs collapsed. She made steady improvement  & by Monday night walked about 10 feet in the yard, peed, walked a couple more feet & had a BM.
I thought she was on the mend. Tuesday morning her rear was as bad as it had been on Saturday.

She started showing weakness on her front legs & between Noon & 2:00 pm her front legs became paralyzed & she started having heart arythmias.
She began drooling on the ride to the vet office.The vet did back and neck  Xrays = everything was normal.
He drew blood & while we were waiting for the results he told me he didn’t know what was wrong.

By this time it was 5:00 pm.
The bloodwork showed a high white count, pointing to infection. Vet was petting her & feeling her all over & couldn’t understand why she was not in pain anywhere.

He found an engorged tick under her ear – its color was identical to her coat. Then the AH-HA moment – tick paralysis!

In his over 30 years practicing, he had only seen 2 cases. His other vet who was working with him has been a vet for
about 10 years & had never seen a case.

He removed the tick, put her on Amoxicillin 2 x daily & said she should be sitting up by evening & recover.

The tick can have a neurotoxin that is released while feeding that causes this.  It can lead to respiratory failure & even death! … different sources say in the U.S. that death rates are 5% or 10-12%.

By around 8:00 pm Tami was improving in the front legs & could lay upright on her front. She steadily improved overnight & could walk wobbly by Wednesday morning. The vet predicts a full recovery.

I don’t think she would have made it through the night without that tick being removed.

Permission to crosspost. I will be sending this to all the Groups I
am on as I can’t remember this ever being mentioned.

Marianne Minks
Zen Tao Tibetan Spaniels

Thanks to Marianne Minks, some editing for style.

Tick resources

Ticks as Predators

Ticks don’t fly, and they don’t blow in the wind. They live in tall grass and either crawl up or fall onto their hosts. People who spend lots of time outdoors in the summer are generally told to avoid ticks by wearing long clothing or spraying on lots of bug repellent, but Dr. Thomas Mather (Tick Encounter Resource Center, University of Rhode Island) says neither is the best method of protection. Continue reading Tick resources

Dogs and Ticks

A tick-free dog is a healthy dog.Learn more than you wanted to know about tick disease, prevention, treatment from this great educational website: http://www.dogsandticks.com/index.html

“Ticks can be present any where from the deep woods to urban parks. This Web site is filled with tips to educate you about Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, as well as other diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes. You’ll find pictures of ticks, information on how to protect your dog from ticks and how to recognize symptoms of tick disease in dogs. With tick education and awareness, you can help keep your best friend happy and healthy.” Continue reading Dogs and Ticks