What are ticks?
Ticks are small invertebrates, searching for hosts to attach themselves to. There are over 90 species of ticks found in the continental United States. Here are some of the most common ones: Deer tick (Black-legged tick), American Dog tick (species of wood tick), Rocky Mtn. Wood tick, Brown Dog tick, and Lone Star tick.
Diseases Ticks May Carry & Signs to Watch For
Lyme Disease (borreliosis)– deer ticks can carry the bacteria, Borrelia. It is transmitted by sucking the blood of its host. Signs of Lyme Disease: lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes & joints, and reduced appetite. It can also lead to issues with the kidneys, heart, and nervous system.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever– the American Dog tick and Rocky Mountain wood tick can carry the bacteria, Rickettsia. It is transmitted by attaching and sucking the blood of it’s host. Signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: loss of appetite, pain in the joints, depression, lameness, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can lead to heart issues, kidney & liver damage, pneumonia, and neurological issues, such as seizures or stumbling.
Ehrlichiosis– the brown dog tick and Lone Star Tick can carry the bacteria, Ehrlichia. It is transmitted from a tick bite. Signs of Ehrlichiosis: depression, loss of appetite, fever, stiff joints, pain in joints, and bruising.
Tick Paralysis– an illness caused by a toxin produced in the tick’s salivary gland. It is transmitted through prolonged attachment of a tick. Signs of Tick Paralysis: weakness in the rear legs and eventually all four and difficulty breathing & swallowing.
Babesiosis– the deer tick can carry the bacteria, Babesia. It is transmitted through a tick bite. Signs of Babesiosis: anemia, pale gums, depression, dark-colored urine, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Tularemia– a bacteria that can be carried by the dog tick, wood tick, and Lone Star tick (it can also be carried by fleas). It is transmitted by a tick bite. Signs of Tularemia: loss of appetite, depression, and mild fever in dogs. In cat, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and nasal discharge.
Anaplasmosis– deer ticks, western black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks can carry the bacteria, Anaplasmosis. It is transmitted through a tick bite. Signs of Anaplasmosis: pain in the joints, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and nervous system issues.
At PetMedella, we can scan for resonating bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be tick related. For more information, contact us at 612-812-9121.