Dogs and tick-borne illness

I came across your article today on Hometown Focus about tick diseases. I work with Idexx Laboratories, an international Veterinary Diagnostics Company based in Maine that has recently introduced a simple and inexpensive blood test to screen dogs for ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis at the same time they are tested for Lyme and Heartworm. Ehrlichia canis is spread by the Lone Star and Brown Dog Ticks at any phase of the tick’s lifecycle; the brown dog ticks have also demonstrated they’re quite comfortable living inside people’s homes – under rugs, radiators, etc. As one of our vets said, “ticks live where dogs live.” Dogs are considered “sentinel animals” – often contracting tick-borne diseases before they begin to show up in humans.

Like human Ehrlichia – vets have often been stumped in its diagnosis, mistaking it for other conditions – even old age – that share symptoms such as lethargy and vomiting. As veterinarians become more familiar with the symptoms and now have the ability to diagnose during an office visit,they are now reporting more cases – we track these reports on www.dogsandticks. com. We show that in MN last year there were nearly 500 reported cases – and that is only among vets who are both screening and reporting results.

Here is a fact sheet that your readers may find useful. Thanks for shining a light on the damage caused by these little vampires!

Facts about: Canine ehrlichiosis

• Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by a bacterium known as Ehrlichia canis and is transmitted by Brown Dog ticks and Lone Star ticks.

• The bacteria can be transmitted at any stage of a tick’s development: larva, nymph or adult.

• Brown dog ticks are found near common dog habitats: kennels, shady and sheltered outdoor locations, shrubby vegetation, dog runs and indoor resting and sleeping locations.

• Canine ehrlichiosis shares symptoms with other common illnesses, such as heart disease or aging.

• Canine ehrlichiosis can be diagnosed through a blood test by a veterinarian who can test for heartworm and other tick-borne diseases at the same time. Results are available within minutes during an office visit.

• The average cost of a complete tick and heartworm disease screening is about the cost of a large bag of dog food.

• Once diagnosed, dogs can make a full recovery from a canine ehrlichiosis infection with antibiotic treatment.

• If not diagnosed or treated, a chronic canine ehrlichiosis infection can be detrimental and potentially fatal to the pet.

Sincerely, Catharine Hartnett

Communications and Public Affairs Consultant

hartnett@maine.rr.com (207) 775-2673