Flea and Tick Borne Illness

Everyone knows about ticks and fleas, but did you know about all the diseases your pet could get from them?  These are more than just annoying little creatures.  They can actually transmit some serious illness to your dog and cat.  Here are some of the problems seen with these blood sucking parasites:

Ticks

•Ehrlichia

This is a common and serious disease seen in dogs.  It is caused by a rickettsial                        organism.  It causes many symptoms including fever, lethargy, anemia, low platelet                     counts, bleeding, and some neurologic signs.

•Lyme Disease

This is a well known disease caused by the organism Borrelia burgdorferi and is                        transmitted to both dogs and people by the Deer Tick.  It causes symptoms of lethargy,              fever, and multiple leg arthritis.

•Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

This is a rickettsial organism transmitted by ticks, but not usually seen in Texas.  It is                   commonly seen in more Northern States especially during the summer months.  It                       causes symptoms of fever, bleeding problems, respiratory difficulty, anemia, and organ             failure.

•Hemobartenella

This is a parasitic disease which attaches to the red blood cells and causes destruction            of those cells.  Anemia from destruction of red cells is the common symptom of this                    disease.  This is common in cats and can sometimes be seen in dogs.

•Babesia

This is a protozoan parasite which destroys red cells in dogs.  The destruction of these              cells leads to anemia, jaundice, bleeding, fever, and decreased platelet counts.

•Tularemia

This is a bacterial infection, Francisella tularensis, transmitted by ticks.  It causes                      symptoms of fever, abscess formation, and sometimes septicemia.  This is an uncommon
disease seen in dogs.

Fleas

•Tapeworms

This is a common parasite associated with fleas.  Dogs and cats acquire tapeworms by           accidentally ingesting the flea carrying the tapeworm larvae.  This larvae develops into               the worm in the intestinal wall.  Owner’s often see segments of the tapeworms pass in                their pet’s feces.  These worms do not usually cause any serious health problems, but                de-worming is recommended.
 
•Flea Allergy Dermatitis

This is a condition of the skin common in both dogs and cats.  It is caused by flea bites             and most pets develop symptoms of itching, skin irritation, redness, inflammation, and               hair loss. This is a reaction to the flea saliva which means that symptoms can develop                even from one or two fleas.  Some symptoms can be quite severe.  The only treatment for         flea allergy dermatitis is to eliminate the pet's exposure to fleas.

•Flea Anemia

Flea anemia is common in puppies and kittens which are severely infested with fleas. 
The fleas feed on the pet’s blood until significant blood loss occurs.  This condition is life-          threatening and typically treated with hospitalization, blood transfusions, iron                               supplements, and of course flea treatment.


As you can probably see, it is important to maintain good flea and tick control.  There are many GREAT products available for your pet’s protection.  Ask your Veterinarian about some of these options and which one is right for you:

•Capstar
•Frontline
•Advantix
•Advantage
•Program
•Comfortis


Should your yard or home become infested with fleas and ticks, the best option is to call your local exterminator for help.  Be sure to remind them that you have a dog or a cat and to use pet friendly products!
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