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In our latest blog post, we're shedding light on a concerning health issue that can affect our beloved furry friends: tick fever in dogs.
Tick fever is a severe tick-borne illness caused by protozoa transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. This disease can have various symptoms ranging from fever and lethargy to more severe complications like joint pain and organ failure.
Our comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about dog tick fever, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies. We'll also provide insights into how you can protect your canine companion from tick bites and reduce their risk of contracting tick fever.
Babesia in pets
Babesia is haemoprotozoan found within infected hosts' red blood cells (RBCs). This parasitic infection, first observed by Babes in 1888 in the blood of African cattle, poses significant health risks to various animals, including humans. The transmission of Babesia occurs primarily through the bite of infected hard ticks, which act as vectors for the parasite. These ticks harbour the Babesia organisms and transfer them to their hosts during feeding, leading to infection within the host's bloodstream.
Species . | Host | Vector |
|---|---|---|
Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia rossi | Dog | Rhipicephalus sanguineus |
Babesia gibsoni | Dog | Rhipicephalus sanguineus |
Babesia cati | Cat | Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor etc, |
Babesia felis | Cat | ---------- |
Different species of babesia are found in dogs and cats.
Did you know that older animals are particularly vulnerable to Babesiosis compared to their younger counterparts? However, susceptibility to this disease can also be influenced by various factors such as breed, immune system health, and stress levels.
Clinical Manifestations:
Recognising the symptoms of Babesiosis is crucial for early detection and treatment. Look for signs such as:
High fever
Dark-coloured urine resembling coffee
Anaemia
Pale mucous membranes
Diarrhea
Ensuring Timely Detection for Effective Treatment
If you suspect Babesiosis in your furry friend, seeking veterinary care is essential. Your veterinarian may recommend a series of diagnostic tests, including:
Microscopic examination of blood samples to detect the presence of the parasite
Serological tests like CFT, IFA, ELISA
Molecular tests like PCR
Being vigilant about these symptoms and promptly consulting with a veterinarian can help ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for Babesiosis in your pet.
Prompt Intervention for Tick Fever
If your veterinarian suspects your pet has tick fever, they may prescribe antibiotics before the test results return. This is because any delay in treatment could cause symptoms to become increasingly severe and possibly even fatal. Most dogs respond to antibiotic treatment within 24-48 hours, although dogs with severe disease cases may not respond.
Diminazene aceturate is a commonly used antiparasitic drug for tick fever.
Sometimes, your veterinarian may also recommend a blood transfusion to treat anaemia or start other supportive treatments with tetracycline and doxycycline.
"Prevention is better than cure." - Desiderius Erasmus
Strategies for Tick-Free Living
Providing a tick-free environment is the best way to prevent tick fever in dogs and cats. Various tick-free medications are available in the market, and consulting your vet will give you a clear idea about using such medication for your beloved pet. Additionally, observing your pet each time you return home from a walk can help prevent parasite transmission in pups. Moreover, keeping your lawn and yard well-maintained by regularly mowing grass, removing leaf litter, and trimming bushes can reduce tick habitats.
Implementing tick control measures such as using tick repellents, tick collars, and environmental treatments can also help mitigate the risk of tick infestations. Furthermore, avoiding areas with high tick populations, especially during peak tick seasons, and minimising outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when ticks are most active can protect your pets from tick bites."
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