Hot off the Press:  Researchers at North Carolina State University recently discovered a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria causing symptoms in dogs similar to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). RMSF, transmitted by Rickettsia rickettsii, is a potentially lethal, tick-borne disease affecting dogs and humans. According to an NIH abstract published in 2020, this novel strain is thought to be geographically widespread, have clinical significance in dogs and potentially in humans, may be underdiagnosed, and is responsive to prompt Doxycycline treatment. 

What are tick-borne diseases? Diseases transmitted through the bite of a tick infected with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. 

Signs of tick-borne illness in dogs: pain, neurologic changes, fever, swelling, coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged nodes, blood abnormalities. 

Most common canine tick-borne diseases in the US: 

• Lyme - caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria carried by deer ticks
• Bartonella - spread by scratches from cats who are infected with feces of infected fleas 
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - transmitted by the America Dog tick, Rocky Mountain Wood tick, or Brown tick
• Anaplasmosis - transmitted by black-legged ticks  
• Ehrlichiosis - spread by the Lone Star tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, American dog tick, or the Brown tick
• Hepatozoonosis - acquired from a dog ingesting a tick infected with Hapatozoon protozoan
• Babesiosis - transmitted by brown dog ticks or from dog to dog if any infected dog bites another or blood transfusion

Treatment: early diagnosis and treatment is critical. Dogs with symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian and receive appropriate diagnostic lab studies. A broad-spectrum antibiotic, such Doxycycline, or other medication may be prescribed. Chronic tick disease is more difficult to manage medically. 

We live in a high risk area for Lymes among other tick borne diseases: CDC map of reports of people infected by tick borne diseases.

So Prevention is key! Inspect your dog for ticks, especially after walking and playing in wooded or grassy areas. Gently part the hair or fur and inspect with close attention between toes, under legs, around the eyes, inside the ears, on the lips, near the anus, and under the tail. Feel for small bumps. The faster the tick is removed, the less likely it will cause secondary illness. Remember to mow grass as short as possible. 

No tick prevention method is 100% effective. Preventative products include shampoos, topical treatments, pesticide collars, and long-acting oral medications. All of these products have risks and benefits, and the best options for your dog should be discussed with your veterinarian. 

References: 

Canine Rickettsiosis: A Novel Rickettsia Species Identified in Dogs in the US, B. Qurullo, DVM, MS; Veterinary Practice News, Mar 16, 2021; Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms & How to Prevent; Dr. J Klein, AKC.org, Apr 11, 2022; A New Strain of Tick-Borne Disease; N. Kerns, Whole Dog Journal, Apr 26, 2022; Novel Rickettsia Species Infecting Dogs, United States, J.M. Wilson, E.B. Breitschwerdt, and B.A. Qurullo, Emerging Infectious Diseases, NIH.gov, vol 26, num 12-Dec 2020.

https://www.hopkinslymetracker.org/geography-ticks-and-you/#:~:text=Other%20tickborne%20diseases%20in%20the,%2C%20tularemia%2C%20and%20Powassan%20virus.

https://www.zoetisus.com/products/dogs/simparica/prevalence-maps.aspx

https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/sporting-field-dogs/tick-borne-disease.html