Tick fever, or tracker dog disease, is the common name for the disease, erhlichiosis. Tick fever affects dogs and in rare instances, humans. German shepherds and Doberman pinschers tend to be affected more severely by the disease.
Tick fever is caused by bacteria carried by the brown dog tick, which passes the ehrlichia organism into a dog’s bloodstream when it bites.
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| Red dog ticks |
What are the Symptoms?
There are three stages of tick fever, each varying in severity:
1. The first (or acute) stage can lead to fever and blood disorders, which involve sudden nosebleeds or blood in the stool. An infected dog may also have trouble breathing, noticeably swollen lymph glands and coordination problems. Watch out for trembling and shivering, as well as dark-coloured urine and pale gums. Depending on the severity of infection, the dog will refuse food and be reluctant to leave his bed. This stage can happen anywhere from eight to 20 days after the tick has bitten the dog, and could last for up to a month. It is possible for a dog to be cured during this phase.
2. The second stage (or the subclinical phase) can last anything from two weeks up to five years if the tick fever eventually progresses to the chronic stage. This stage has no outward signs. Only blood tests can tell that the dog is still infected, as these blood tests will show if the bacteria are lingering in the dog's bloodstream.
3. Unfortunately, the infected dog's immune system may be unable to eliminate the bacteria. The third and most serious stage of infection, the chronic phase, will then commence. The signs are similar to the initial symptoms, but come on far more severely. As compared to a nosebleed, the dog may bleed out of the nose or eyes. There is a danger of bleeding in the kidneys or bowels as well. The infected dog could also suffer from lameness, anaemia, and neurological disorders. Additional symptoms include ocular pain (uveitis), corneal oedema ("blue" eyes), retinal haemorrhages and detachment with blindness. Tick fever at this stage can be fatal, and a dog can die in a matter of days when chronic symptoms start.
What are the Remedies?
A definite diagnosis of tick fever can be difficult, since blood smears (taken from the ear or a toe) may not always show the parasite. As rapid treatment is the key to success, subject to the vets’ assessment, they may treat regardless of whether the parasite is found.
Treatment consists of antibiotics to kill the parasite. Vets may prescribe supportive therapy such as a drip or anti-vomiting drugs to supplement the treatment. There may also be other problems that need to be corrected such as anaemia or low platelet count (treated via blood or plasma transfusions) and breathing difficulties (treated via oxygen therapy). Other than that, lots of tender loving care to persuade your dog to recover is the most valuable medicine.
How to Prevent Tick Fever?
The only way to prevent tick fever is to ensure that your dog does not get bitten in the first place. This is accomplished by using anti-tick products that will repel or kill ticks. Such products include spot-on applications and anti-tick collars. Do also conduct rigorous checks on your dog after it has frolicked in the woods or high grass to be sure that ticks are not on its coat or body, and use anti-tick washes or shampoos as well. Focus on the armpits, groin, belly and in between toes.
