Research Paper for the Pet Technician Certificate :
Module 4 -Parasitic Conditions
Owner: Alice Lam
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Tick is one of the most common and lethal parasite that affect dogs in Hong Kong.
Ticks usually live in grassy areas and feed by biting and drawing blood from animals such as dogs and cattle. When the tick attaches the dog and bites to feed, it injects the tick fever organism into the dog. Before feeding, ticks are small and flat, however after feeding they puff up and look a bit like a fat raisin.
Tick Fever is the common name given to the protozoa Babesia. There are two common strains that is seen in Hong Kong, Babesia gibsoni and Babesia canis. The protozoa destroy red blood cells in the body resulting in anaemia. If left untreated for too long, life-threatening anaemia may result and may require blood transfusions and a long hospital stay to recover.
However, if treated early, most dogs don't have to stay in hospital and can have the full course of treatment at home.
The most common first symptom is a loss of appetite. However, it often comes on gradually and to the inexperienced owner it may take some time to notice that anything is wrong. Sometimes a dog will not eat breakfast, but will eat his dinner and will eat his treats. Then the next day, he might not eat any of his dog food, but is more than happy to eat human food.
The other common symptoms are lethargy (tiredness) and dark coloured urine. Often dogs will be reluctant to go for their regular walks and won't want to play as much as usual. They may also be reluctant to walk up stairs. During the course of the disease, red blood cells are destroyed will be expelled in the urine which can result in very dark (rusty or red coloured) urine.
If a vet suspects Tick Fever, he or she will probably order a blood test called a General Health Profile. This initial blood test will give the vet a better idea as to whether your dog has tick fever. Dogs with tick fever generally have a lower than normal number of red blood cells and platelets. In order to get a confirmed diagnosis, a PCR test (or a DNA test), needs to be performed at an external laboratory. This usually takes 2-3 days for the results to come back.
Unfortunately there is no vaccine for Tick Fever, so the only way to stop a dog from getting the disease is tick prevention:
1) Preventic Collar (Amitraz): This is a rubber collar adjustable in length and can fit any size dog. Any excess collar can be cut off and discarded. The collar should be taken off before the dog goes swimming or has a bath. A new collar should replace the old one every 2 months.
2) Spot-on prevention
a. Frontline Plus: This liquid is safe for use on both cats and dogs. To be effective against ticks it should be applied every 2 weeks.
b. Advantix: This liquid is toxic to cats and can only be used on dogs. To be effective against ticks it should be applied every 3 weeks.
Treatment
Two currently accepted methods of treatment are:
1) Atovaquone/Zithromax: Atovaquone is an antimalarial drug that has been shown to be effective in Tick Fever cases. It is used in conjunction with an antibiotic called Zithromax. This is one of the most commonly accepted treatments in Hong Kong and has been used for the past 6-7 years. Treatment is usually 10-20 days long depending on the case.
2) Tri-Therapy Treatment: This involves two injections two weeks apart and a 30 day course of three types of anti-protazoal medications. This is a relatively new treatment and so far responses have been very positive.
Following successful treatment of Tick Fever, it is advisable to have a repeat PCR Blood Test 2 months after the end of treatment.
Video:
Source: http://www.eastislandvets.com.hk/en/pet-emergencies/Tick-Fever
