Tick Fever

I was saddened today after a visit to Furry Pets (now at the Badminton Hall at Guellimard Road). Tiger's girlfriend, Win, also a westie, stays there in the day with her owner Tony, who owns the pet cafe cum pet shop. Win Win is now blind in one eye due to a bout of tick fever. Tony only realized something was wrong after Win failed to cross the road together with him, something she had never done before. By the time they discovered that it was tick fever after running blood tests, her retina had detached. She is merely 6 years old and now she struggles to get used to seeing out of just one eye. It was heart-breaking seeing her scratch her left eye, rubbing against her bed, not comprehending that there is nothing blocking her vision, that she has lost her sight. Her movement is slower now, and her temperament has changed to become more cautious and moody.




We have to be thankful that Win Win survived, as tick fever claims many doggy lives. I used to be under the impression that tick fever occurs only when there is an infestation and too many ticks attack a dog, resulting in a overdose of toxins in the body. I was wrong. Even one single tick can kill a dog!!




We as dog owners have to be vigilant against these pests. I used to take it for granted that dogs would always have ticks, and that as long as we run our fingers over our dog's bodies now and then, and exterminate the bloodsuckers, it would be okay. However, more than that, we can take active steps to prevent ticks. From my experience with dogs, I realize that some dogs were more susceptible to ticks than others. One way of prevention is to add a small amount of garlic to their diet. Another way is to avoid areas with long grass. And there is the obvious choice of tick collars and vaccinations. More importantly, give our pets good quality food that strengthens the immune system so that ticks are not so attracted to them. Kibble (dry food) like Pedigree does nothing except fill their tummies. 




In fact, kibble is just a convenient alternative to feeding the real food that our pets deserve. If possible, go for BARF diet. If you have time, cooked meats with rice and some vegetable is great too. If you really can't afford the time, at least go for a quality brand of kibble like Science Diet.

Here's a disgusting picture of a tick and what looks like a bean. It is actually a tick engorged with blood. I always kill them by pinching them between tissues and you get a gratifying "tick" sound followed by a splatter of blood. (yeah, yucks I know) 

I researched and here is how to remove ticks and some information on tick fever:



How to Find and Remove Ticks:



1. Get a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick at the point of attachement (i.e the head)



2. Do not squeeze tick's body as you do not want it to burst and spread its bacteria.



3. Pull tick straight out from skin without twisting. Some skin may also detach, but this is normal. There maybe slight bleeding.



4. You may want to squeeze the ticks between papers, like me, or just drown it in the toilet.



5. If the tick's head is still embedded, use the tweezers to pull it off if possible. If not, just leave it alone.



6. After removal, clean with mild soap and water. Apply a balm if desired. Keep an eye on this spot for the next few days. It should clear up. If not, please look for a vet.



7. A tick will never voluntarily detach itself. Do not use lighters, alcohol or other chemicals to remove ticks. They bring more harm than good.





TICK FEVER IN DOGS  

What are ticks? 

Ticks are insects. They attach themselves to an infected mammal (deer, sheep, dog etc) and feed by puncturing a vein, that is, it feeds on blood. 

In doing so, the parasite which is in the red blood cells, enters the tick. The tick then drops off and lays eggs which develop into a generation of infected ticks. Ticks are attracted to warmth, and so will attach to a dog (or other mammal) when passing. It will then have a blood meal, passing the parasite into the dog’s bloodstream in the process. 

  

"Here's another super gross picture of the blood-filled parasite. Can't wait to squeeze the life out of it."

The parasite invades the red blood cells, causing the body to recognise that they are different and therefore reject and destroy them. 

The ticks are most active when it is warm and wet (this means Singapore, ALL THE TIME!) 

Signs to look out for :

Early signs are trembling and shivering. Depending on the severity of infection the dog will refuse food and is reluctant to leave his bed. This can happen very suddenly. 

If you can see what colour the urine is (easier in males than females!), you will find that it is not the normal yellow colour, but brown in colour. This is the pigment from the red blood cells which are being destroyed. Also, the gums are paler due to the breakdown of red blood cells. 

Those of you happy to wield a thermometer will find the temperature is often as high as 104°F or 40°C. 

It is the rejection of the red blood cells which causes the clinical signs of lethargy, high temperature, discoloured urine (the pigments from the blood are excreted in the urine), yellowing of the skin, gums and around the eyes i.e. jaundice ( when the amount of pigment broken down cannot be excreted quickly enough), muscle weakness and even convulsions. 

If you suspect this disease, you must arrange for a vet to see your dog as soon as possible. 

Diagnosis:

A definite diagnosis can be difficult, as a blood smear (taken from the ear or a toe) does not always show the parasite. However the vet will use his experience, and as rapid treatment is the key to success, will often treat regardless of whether the parasite is found. 

There are blood tests to determine if there is a low grade infection, or to determine if the dog is reacting to an infection, but these take time to analyse and again, treatment is usually started before a result is obtained. 

The basis of treatment is an injection which kills the parasite, and this can be repeated after several days. The injection is often painful, so be prepared. 

Occasionally antibiotics are also given, and supportive therapy such as a drip or anti vomiting drugs can be useful. Other than that, lots of tender loving care, to persuade your pet to recover is the most valuable tool. 

So hopefully after you read this, take a moment to run your fingers through your pets bodies to get rid of those vermin.