Tick Borne Diseases in Dogs

Ticks are a common parasite all across the United States. These pests can cause a number of serious conditions. Here, our vets share some information about ticks, the conditions they can cause, and how our veterinary internal medicine specialists in Springfield can help.

How Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases Affect Dogs

Ticks are able to transmit a single type of organism or multiple organisms to your dog through a single bite (coinfection), allowing different organisms to work together to release toxins and trigger your dog’s immune system. Once these organisms have found their way into your pup they invade your dog's cells and hijack their immune system. Some of these organisms also are capable of helping others which can result in recurring infections over time.

Illnesses spread by ticks result in your dog's organs and tissues becoming infected and inflamed, producing a myriad of symptoms. Sometimes, you may not see any symptoms of these diseases until after weeks have gone by.

Symptoms Caused by Tick-Borne Diseases

Some of the most common symptoms of a tick-borne disease in dogs include vomiting, fever, swelling around joints, lameness, and lethargy. Some of other possible signs and symptoms can include:

The Different Types of Conditions Caused by Ticks

There are a number of tick-borne illnesses seen in dogs across North America. In some cases these diseases are spread by ticks that dogs encounter near home, in other cases, these diseases have been contracted by the pet while away from home (often while on out-of-state camping trips with pet parents). Below are some of the most common tick-borne diseases diagnosed in Springfield area dogs.

Lyme Disease

• Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which is transmitted by infected black-legged ticks or deer ticks, Lyme disease is seen in dogs and people across North America. The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can include lethargy, lameness, fever, joint pain or swelling, and the enlargement of lymph nodes. Lyme disease in dogs can be successfully treated.

Canine Bartonellosis

• Although Canine Bartonellosis is less common than some other tick-borne diseases we see in dogs, the symptoms of this disease can be very serious. Some of the earliest signs of Canine Bartonellosis include intermittent fever and lameness but left untreated this condition can lead to serious conditions such as heart or liver disease.

Rickettsial Diseases

Rickettsial organisms are bacterial obligate intracellular parasites that can be spread by infected ticks. Rickettsial bacteria can cause a number of illnesses in dogs including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Canine Anaplasmosis. Bacterial diseases such as those listed below can be very challenging to diagnose. Multiple tests or rounds of treatment may be needed before a definitive diagnosis can be determined for your dog's symptoms.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• RMSF or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is carried by the Rocky Mountain wood tick, brown deer tick, and American dog tick. This tick-borne condition can be seen in dogs across Central, South, and North America, and can also affect humans. Swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, poor appetite, and fever are some of the most common symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in dogs. In some cases, dogs may also experience neurological symptoms such as balance issues or weakness.

Canine Ehrlichiosis

• There are a number of different ticks that can transmit Canine Ehrlichiosis, including the American dog tick, brown dog tick, and the lone star tick. Symptoms of this condition typically begin to appear about 1 to 3  weeks after your dog has been infected and may include fever, poor appetite, nose bleeds, and bruising. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to the successful treatment of Canine Ehrlichiosis. Treatment can be more challenging in dogs that develop chronic symptoms of the disease.

Canine Anaplasmosis

• The most common symptoms of Canine Anaplasmosis are much the same as other tick-borne diseases and include lethargy, loss of appetite, stiff joints, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, however, Canine Anaplasmosis can lead to seizures in dogs.

Protozoal Diseases

Also transmitted by ticks are Protozoal intracellular parasites. These organisms make their home in the dog’s red blood cells are the cause of the Protozoal diseases listed below.

Canine Babesiosis

• Canine Babesiosis is primarily spread through the bite of infected brown dog ticks or American dog ticks. However, this condition can also be spread through the bite of an infected dog, contaminated IV blood, or transferred from a pregnant mother to her unborn puppies through transplacental transmission. Canine Babesiosis causes the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, pale gums, lethargy, dark-colored urine, and in some cases generalized weakness and vomiting.

Canine Hepatozoonosis

• Although Canine Hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease, your pet could contract the disease by eating another infected animal such as a rodent or bird. Dogs infected with this disease will often show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. That said, depending on the strain of the disease more severe cases can lead to symptoms that can seriously impact your pet's mobility such as muscle, bone, and/or joint pain. Other symptoms of Canine Hepatozoonosis include fever, pale gums and skin, and enlarged lymph nodes.

How Tick-Borne Diseases Are Treated

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the most commonly used method of treatment after a dog has been bitten by a tick. While your dog is undergoing treatment with antibiotics your vet may also recommend giving your pup probiotics to prevent gastrointestinal issues.

Recurring tick-borne conditions can be challenging to beat. Even after your dog appears to have recovered, regular blood work may be necessary in order to detect recurrences as early as possible.

Our Veterinary Internal Medicine Vets in Springfield

Veterinary internal medicine specialists are skilled at the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the immune systems, cardiovascular systems, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine systems, and more in a safe and compassionate manner.

If your pet is faced with a condition that is beyond the scope of routine veterinary care, your primary vet can refer your four-legged companion to an internal medicine specialist for more advanced care.

At The The Regional Veterinary Referral Center, our internal medicine department emphasizes a comprehensive, team approach to our cases and works not only with your veterinarian but also with other specialists to ensure the best care for our patients.

Preventing Tock-Borne Diseases in Dogs

When it comes to protecting your dog against ticks and tick-borne diseases, one of the simplest options is the use of preventive medications throughout the year. Speak to your vet to find out which parasite prevention medication is best for your pet based on where you live, your pet's age, and your dog's lifestyle. While these medications go a long way to protecting your dog, no tick prevention method is 100% effective, so diligence is always a must.

If your dog has been in areas where ticks are known to live such as farmland, forests, or areas with tall grass, be sure to inspect your dog's skin for ticks as soon as you get home. Most ticks are dark brown or black in color and fairly large once they have begun to feed. An online search should help you learn what ticks in your area look like and where they are typically found.

If a tick has attached itself to your dog, it will need to be removed very carefully to protect your pup's health. Contact your vet for instructions on how to properly remove ticks from your dog's skin.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.