Woofs & Wags

Vets Warn Dog Guardians About Tick Disease

29th April, 2010 - Posted by Heather Davis - No Comments

Posted courtesy of www.dogsandticks.com/nashville

Canine Ehrlichiosis, a dangerous tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, is being diagnosed more frequently by Nashville area veterinarians. Brown dog ticks, which carry the bacteria, can transmit the disease at any stage of its life cycle–larva, nymph and adult.   Unlike other species of ticks, they are quite at home indoors, often hiding in furniture, radiators, rugs, and other places near dogs.  Veterinarians are urging annual screenings as well as encouraging dog owners to become familiar with symptoms.

Canine ehrlichiosis is often overlooked because the symptoms –lethargy, vomiting and weight loss– are the same as those caused by other common conditions, such as heart disease or aging. However, rapid, low-cost blood tests that provide immediate results are now available to veterinarians to run in the office.

Veterinarians recommend that these cost-effective screens be run during routine annual wellness check- ups or in response to pet-owner concerns about dog illness. Without regular screening, dog owners may never know their pets are infected, missing an opportunity to treat the infection and potentially having their dogs suffer from the disease.

“Canine Ehrlichiosis is frustrating to diagnose without a blood screen,” says Dr. Mike Fenwick, veterinarian at the Hermitage Animal Clinic.   “I know vets who have been stymied as they treat for one condition after another with no improvement, not considering the possibility of a tick-borne illness.”¹

Dr. Fenwick notes that some localized areas may have a higher prevalence of Ehrlichia than other areas just a few miles away.  “I have talked to colleagues who screen and find e. canis regularly, and to others who may not come across infections as often.  It’s best for all dog owners to screen annually, but those who travel and pursue outdoor recreation with their dogs should be especially vigilant.”

Once detected, chances for recovery are excellent because canine Ehrlichiosis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. If not properly diagnosed and treated, dogs may suffer and eventually progress to a chronic stage where they may die suddenly because of abnormalities in blood cells.

With improvements in screening techniques, veterinarians can now screen for canine Ehrlichiosis at the same time they test for heartworm disease, a condition that by now is very familiar to dog owners around the country.  Results are available in the office within minutes and the veterinarian can advise if there is a concern, explaining how to manage it.

“Test every dog, every year,” recommends Dr. Fenwick, advising dog owners to ask their vets to screen at the next visit.   “Dog owners should ask their vets about the screen, as we can easily test for canine Ehrlichiosis at the same time we check for heartworm.  The difference in price is about the same as a large bag of dog food. We have a new standard of care that is more efficient and gets pet owners the information they need to keep their pets healthy.”

Take steps to prevent tick-borne infection

• Ask about annual tick screening, a vital preventive step to keep your dog healthy.
• Ask your veterinarian to recommend safe and effective tick prevention products.
• Check your dog daily for ticks, year-round. Check out any small bumps by looking closely.
• Remove any ticks found on your dog–call your veterinarian for guidance on tick-removal and visit www.dogsandticks.com/nashville

Notes:

¹ Dr. Fenwick has a business relationship with IDEXX pursuant to which he receives compensation from IDEXX from time to time.  The views expressed in this article are solely those of Dr. Fenwick.

For more information: Find out more at www.dogsandticks.com/nashville.