Ticks are often considered insects, but they are actually arachnids- like spiders, scorpions, and mites. They have four life stages, including: egg, 6-legged nymph, 8-legged nymph, and adult. When a tick egg hatches, the tiny larvae (often called “seed ticks”) find an appropriate host to feed on, then molts into a nymph. Larvae and nymphs usually feed on smaller animals, like birds and rodents. When they molt into an adult, they find a larger host to feed on, like a cat, dog, cattle, or person. After adult ticks engorge themselves on a host, they mate. The female drops off to lay her eggs on the ground- 3,000 to 6,000!!!- depending on the type of tick. These eggs hatch, and the life cycle begins again. The life cycle can take from 2 months to 2 years, depending on the species. Ticks wait for the hosts on the tips of grasses and shrubs- they are rarely found in trees. They can’t jump or fly, they crawl onto a host when he/she brushes against the plant they’re on. Some ticks will crawl several feet to get to a host. Ticks remain active as long as ground temperatures are above 45 degrees- that’s why we have to battle them all year round in our Georgia climate!! While most species of ticks are dependent on outdoor climates to complete their life cycle (America Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, Deer Tick), the Brown Dog Tick can survive and develop indoors. Ticks are efficient carriers of disease because their mouth parts attach so firmly to the host when feeding. They feed slowly (over several days,) and may not be noticed for a long time. The diseases ticks can transmit include Anaplasmosis, Babesia, Lyme, and Ehrlichiosis. Anaplasmosis is most commonly spread through the bite of deer ticks. The more common form can cause lameness, joint pain, and lack of appetite. Some pets may exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and labored breathing, but these symptoms are rare. In the less common form, there may be periodic decreases in platelet numbers- which are necessary for blood clotting. Anaplasmosis can be treated with a long course of antibiotics. In most cases, the chances of clinical recovery are excellent. Although most patients return to normal, it’s difficult to determine whether infection completely clears. Pets often continue to show positive on subsequent tests. Ehrlichiosis is most commonly spread by the brown dog tick. Clinical disease occurs when the immune system is not effective in fighting off the organism that causes it. Dogs will develop a variety of symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, respiratory distress, bleeding disorders, and sometimes neurologic disturbances (seizures, tremors, etc.). You may also see swollen limbs and lameness. A long course of treatment with certain antibiotics can be quite effective in treating. Dogs with anemia or bleeding problems may require a blood transfusion. Babesia is primarily spread through the bite of deer ticks. It invades the red blood cells, causing anemia. Babesiosis can cause dark urine, pale mucous membranes (gums), depression, swollen lymph nodes, weakness, fever, low platelets, and an enlarged spleen. In severe cases, a pet may collapse with systemic shock. There is an approved treatment for Babesiosis, but prognosis is guarded. Severely anemic dogs may require a blood transfusion. Many that survive will remain infected, and may have a relapse of disease in the future. Lyme disease is most commonly spread by the deer tick. Affected dogs may be experiencing generalized pain, or have stopped eating. They often having fevers. They may limp, and this lameness may shift from one limb to another. Some pets are affected for over a year before they show clinical signs. Lyme can be controlled with antibiotics, but like Anaplasmosis, it’s difficult to say whether infection completely clears, and pets may suffer relapses in the future. The diagnosis of these diseases includes antibody testing and presence of clinical signs. An antibody test does not check for the disease itself, but for exposure to the disease. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to the antigen (disease) being present in the body. At Effingham Animal Hospital, we offer tick antibody testing along with your annual heartworm test. It checks for exposure to anaplasma, lyme, and ehrlichia. We will typically treat with a course of the appropriate medication when a pet tests positive for the first time to be on the safe side, even in the absence of clinical signs. Because ehrlichia and lyme may not always be able to be cleared, just controlled, pets may need repeat courses of treatment in the future if clinical signs develop. People can get these diseases- but they CANNOT get them from their dog. They are transmitted directly from an infected tick bite. However, there has been evidence that some direct animal to animal transmission may occur with babesiosis- like when an infected dog with oral abrasions/ulcers bites another dog. The only one of these diseases that has a vaccine available is lyme. A booster is given 2-4 weeks after the initial one, pets should be revaccinated annually. As with so many things, prevention is less stress on your pet’s health and your wallet! There are monthly topical preventatives and collars available that will repel and/or kill ticks before they are able to transmit disease. Always ask your veterinarian which products are safe and effective. If you find a tick on your pet, use tweezers or disposable gloves for removal. Infectious agents can be transmitted through mucous membranes (i.e. mouth, eyes) or breaks in the skin just from handling ticks. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible to help reduce the possibility of detaching the head when you try to hold it. At Effingham Animal Hospital, we’ve found that putting some rubbing alcohol on the tick loosens its grip, making it easier to remove completely. Do not twist or turn the tick. After you get it out, wash the area with mild soap and then disinfect it. Wash your hands thoroughly as well. We hope this post was interesting and informative. Please visit our Contact Page if you have any questions.
