TICK FEVER Most of us who live in Panama and have dogs are aware that "tick fever" is endemic in all parts of the country. While the name "tick fever" can cover many types of tick borne diseases, the type here is Ehrlichiosis. It is caused by the Ehrlichia bacteria, a genus of rickettsiales. As Ehrlichiosis can be fatal, and because treatment is prolonged, the first line of defense should be prevention. Tick preventatives such as Frontline Plus, Revolution, or Advantix (monthly spot-on treatments) and/or tick collars, e.g., Preventic , are important for all dogs that spend time outdoors. Some preventatives work better in some areas of the community than do others, so seek advice from your pet-loving neighbors. Secondly, check your dog on a daily basis for ticks and remove them at once as it is believed that ticks must feed for 24-48 hours to spread Ehrlichia. Dogs can groom away some ticks, but be extra careful to examine those areas that their tongue doesn't reach like the head , neck, chest, and ears. Don't forget to check between the toes. Ticks need humidity to survive, so you also may need to attack the outdoor areas most likely to nurture them. Shrubs and grassy areas should be cut regularly so as to allow air and light and, if ticks are posing a particular problem, you may want to consider spraying those areas your dog habituates. Should your dog contract Ehrlichiosis, symptoms will appear from one to three weeks after being bitten by an infected tick. Those symptoms include joint pain, joint swelling, lameness, enlarged lymph nodes, weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, and difficulty breathing. This is the acute phase of the disease. Some dogs experience only a few of the symptoms rather than all of them. Kris Berg, owner of Howling Success Kennels who has daily interaction with dogs in and around Boquete, says that the first symptoms she has observed are almost always loss of appetite and lethargy. It is noteworthy that bacteria may be present for months or years without exhibiting symptoms. Blood tests usually are conducted to confirm a diagnosis, but they do not always provide clear and definitive diagnostic answers. Vets do the best they can, but blood testing is a "moment in time" while the disease is a progression of infection. Ehlichiosis therefore can be difficult to diagnose with confidence. If left untreated, Ehrlichiosis can progress to the chronic phase and severe, often fatal illness can develop. Symptoms of chronic tick fever include abnormal bleeding, severe weight loss, fever, increased difficulty breathing due to inflammation of the lungs, joint inflammation and pain, eye inflammation, lack of coordination, head tilt, anemia, kidney failure, and paralysis. Ehrlichiosis usually can be treated, regardless of the stage of infection. However, the earlier the disease is detected, the more rapid is recovery. Chronically infected dogs may require treatment for several months. Dogs with severe anemia or hemorrhage may require blood transfusions. Should your pet be diagnosed with Ehrlichiosis, the vet will prescribe antibiotic treatment, usually tetracycline or doxycycline. While symptoms may improve after a few days, treatment usually runs three to four weeks. It is important that the dog be treated for the full period to eradicate the Ehrlichia bacteria. |
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